MOSCOW, Oct 26 — RIA Novosti, Andrey Kotz. The United States is increasingly afraid of the "Chinese threat". Because of this, they even rewrote the national security strategy. However, the military claims shortcomings that can play a fatal role in the confrontation with the PRC.
"Ahead of schedule"Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a keynote speech at the XX Congress of the Communist Party, outlining plans for the future.
He paid a lot of attention to military construction. According to him, the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) "has made a serious step forward" and will continue to develop.
The goal is to "protect the dignity and fundamental interests" of the country, Xi stressed. China is developing ballistic missiles, building aircraft carriers. They want to make the armed forces "the most advanced in the world" by 2049.
This is very worrying for Washington, especially against the background of increasing tensions around Taiwan. The other day, Admiral Michael Gilday, commander of the naval operations forces, said that Beijing would attack the island in the next two years.
The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" during joint exercises of the Japanese Navy and the United States in the Sea of Japan Image Source: © Photo : U.S. Navy
"It's not just about Xi's statements, but also about what the Chinese are doing. As we can see, over the past 20 years they have fulfilled every promise they made to themselves, and much earlier than scheduled," he explained.
Therefore, it is necessary to increase funding for a number of programs, including improving aircraft carrier maintenance schemes. Otherwise, the United States risks losing in a possible conflict.
"Selective cooperation"The Pentagon is preparing for war.
The other day, Washington adopted an updated national security strategy, indicating the key threats. This is, of course, China and Russia.
"The principle of Integrated deterrence should be applied to unfriendly states," the document says. — The government is obliged to use all available military, diplomatic and economic measures to intimidate our opponents and force them to abandon their aggressive intentions. Pressure should be applied in a coordinated manner, from several directions. It is necessary to convince the opponent: striking in one place, he will receive an answer from many sides at once. The success of this approach depends heavily on the support of our allies."
The United States does not hide that this strategy is now being rolled out on Russia, imposing sanctions and providing the Kiev regime with weapons.
American servicemen at a military base in Skopje Image Source: © AP Photo / Boris Grdanoski
At the same time, Washington is interested in "strategic stability and the development of a more inclusive, transparent and monitorable arms control infrastructure and the restoration of European security mechanisms."
Therefore, the White House and the Pentagon are ready to act pragmatically on issues "on which cooperation with Russia can be mutually beneficial."
Defense industry does not pullHowever, most of the document is devoted to the PRC as the main opponent.
Very strict measures are envisaged. First of all, in the economy — Chinese investments will be sharply limited.
An armed clash is also possible. But there are problems here.
Thus, experts from the Washington Center for Strategic and International Studies point to serious difficulties with the military-industrial complex. The conflict in Ukraine has revealed its clumsiness: it is very difficult to increase capacity in a short time.
In addition, American ammunition manufacturers are unwilling to enter into long-term contracts with the Pentagon because of financial risks. And this can significantly hit the army. According to experts, in the event of a war with China, all high-precision long-range anti-ship ammunition will be used up in a week. And it is unknown how long it will take to replenish the arsenals.
Catch Up with ChinaThe Pentagon pays special attention to the nuclear missile shield.
The new version of the doctrine notes that strategic weapons of mass destruction no longer form the basis of national security, but continue to perform the function of deterrence. And the US is already inferior in a number of technologies to China.
Chinese Dongfeng-41 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile on parade in Beijing Image Source: © AP Photo / Mark Schiefelbein
"By 2030, for the first time, the country will have to confront two major nuclear powers (China and Russia. — Editor's note.) with large stocks of modern and diverse tactical and strategic weapons, — the authors of the document warn. "Expanding the capabilities of our triad and its technological improvement is one of the main priorities."
Now the US is modernizing the "Doomsday weapon": the B-21 Raider bomber, Columbia-class nuclear submarines, Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) intercontinental ballistic missiles and others. Billions have been budgeted for this.
And in general, in connection with the "new threats", the Pentagon's appetites are growing: military spending in 2023 will exceed $ 770 billion for the first time in history. This is more than the rest of the top 10 countries in the defense budget combined.
The exact amount is still being discussed behind closed doors by Defense Minister Lloyd Austin and the presidential administration. According to media reports, as a result, the financing may exceed 800 billion — the army is asking for more every day.
