China Responds to US Defense Report, Rejects Claims of Military Threat

On Thursday, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed strong disapproval of a report released by the US Department of Defense. He characterized the document, titled "Military and Security development involving the PRC," as biased and lacking in factual accuracy, emphasizing that it promotes a narrative of a "China threat" to bolster the US's military supremacy.

The Pentagon's report, published on Wednesday, highlighted the growing capabilities of China's military and alleged that China has surpassed 600 operational nuclear warheads as of mid-2024, with projections suggesting this number could exceed 1,000 by 2030. The report also warned that China might be developing intercontinental missile systems capable of conventional strikes against the US and its territories, including Hawaii and Alaska.

During a press briefing, Lin reaffirmed that China is committed to maintaining peace and stability while also assertively defending its sovereignty and security. He urged the US to abandon its "Cold War mentality" and reassess China's defense intentions in a more balanced manner, calling for an end to the recurring release of such irresponsible reports, which hamper the stability of US-China relations.

Chinese military analyst Zhang Junshe noted that this year's report continues a trend of speculative and derogatory portrayals of China's nuclear capabilities, while simultaneously noting the shortcomings of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He pointed out that while the report claims the PLA has enhanced its joint operational capabilities, it also underlines the areas where the PLA is thought to be lacking in logistical support.

The report indicates that the PLA Navy has expanded its operational reach with significant deployments in areas beyond what is referred to as the "first island chain." Zhang criticized the intentional framing of these operations as aggressive, asserting that the US misunderstands China's military objectives, which are non-hegemonic and defensive.

Additionally, analysts argued that the recommendations within the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025, which includes increased military spending and initiatives aimed at countering China, suggest that the US is shaping its military strategies to maintain dominance. Critics, like Xin Qiang from Fudan University, highlighted the absurdity of the US portraying itself as under threat, given its position as a dominant military power, and suggested that such narratives are used to justify rising defense expenditures.

As the geopolitical context evolves, observers are closely monitoring how the new US administration, expected in the coming years, will approach relations with China in light of the Pentagon’s report and upcoming military policies.