Photo credit: www.businessinsider.com

China’s Military Show of Force Raises Concerns Ahead of New US Administration

In recent weeks, China has made significant displays of military strength and hybrid warfare tactics, coinciding with the transition of power in the United States. This surge in activity underscores China’s ambitions and signals potential challenges for both the current and the incoming US administrations.

Often described as the Pentagon’s “pacing challenge,” China has ramped up its military capabilities, applied pressure on US allies, and engaged in various hybrid warfare strategies, particularly in cyberspace.

In the last couple of months, notable developments have included the emergence of suspected next-generation Chinese combat aircraft, the introduction of new naval vessels, extensive military exercises simulating a blockade of Japan, and aggressive maneuvers near Taiwan. Moreover, the US government has accused Chinese hackers of orchestrating significant breaches involving the Treasury Department and major telecommunications companies. Additional alarms have been raised regarding China’s alleged role in disrupting vital undersea infrastructure.

Experts suggest these actions may be part of a deliberate strategy by China to influence or decipher the upcoming administration’s policy approach. Matthew Funaiole, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Beijing’s maneuvers could be aimed at discouraging international support for Taiwan by projecting military dominance.

Heightened Military Activities Around Taiwan

China’s recent military exercises have been extensive, with reports indicating the deployment of around 90 navy and coast guard vessels around Taiwan and the southern Japanese islands for large-scale drills. According to Taiwan, these actions were not pre-announced and have not been officially acknowledged by Beijing.

Taiwan has been facing a steady increase in incursions into its air defense identification zone, with over 60 reported in recent months. The Chinese military has simulated attacks on foreign vessels and interfered with navigation in the area. This exercise marked the most significant show of force since the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis and closely followed visits by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to various Pacific nations, which Beijing condemned. Analysts argue that such displays of power by China are often orchestrated around pivotal political moments.

Giselle Donnelly, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, remarked that the timing of these military drills is far from coincidental. She drew parallels to similar tactics employed by Russia as it increased pressure on Ukraine in anticipation of changes in US political dynamics.

China’s Advancements in Military Technology

China has also recently revealed new military technologies, including advanced aircraft at the Zhuhai Airshow, notably the J-35A stealth fighter. The aircraft is praised for its stealth capabilities, information warfare, and networking functions, drawing comparisons to the US F-35 fighter jet. In a surprising twist, observers reported what are believed to be prototypes of next-generation aircraft being showcased in broad daylight—a move not previously anticipated by Chinese aviation experts.

Furthermore, China inaugurated its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the largest of its kind globally. This vessel represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor and is equipped with an advanced electromagnetic catapult system for operating varied airborne assets.

Cyber Warfare and Espionage Accusations

Concerns over China’s cyber activities have intensified, particularly following a breach of the US Treasury Department’s systems, where state-sponsored hackers reportedly accessed unclassified documents. This incident came on the heels of a significant years-long cybersecurity breach involving telecommunications companies that targeted high-profile individuals, including President-elect Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Officials warn that data from millions of Americans may have been compromised, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in the US cybersecurity landscape.

Chinese actors are also suspected of penetrating sensitive data related to wiretapped phone numbers within the Justice Department. Such cyber activities raise alarms about China’s hybrid warfare capabilities and their potential implications in conflict scenarios.

In conclusion, China’s recent military and cyber activities pose substantial challenges for the United States and its global partners. As the new administration prepares to take office, it will face not only Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region but also a broader network of countries, including Russia, Iran, and North Korea, that are increasingly collaborating to challenge the US-led international order.

Source
www.businessinsider.com