U.S. Faces Grave Cybersecurity Threats from China, Commission Warns
A recent report by a bipartisan commission has sent a stark warning to Washington, highlighting that China poses the most serious threat to U.S. military supremacy since the Cold War. The report, released by the Commission on the National Defense Strategy, outlines how China has significantly narrowed the gap in military capabilities, particularly in the Western Pacific.
China’s Military Advancements
China now boasts the world’s largest navy, with over 370 surface ships and submarines, primarily concentrated in the Western Pacific. In comparison, the U.S. has fewer than 300 naval vessels spread across the globe. Additionally, China is rapidly modernizing its air force and nuclear arsenal, making significant strides in its cyber and space capabilities.
“In many ways, China is outpacing the United States and has largely negated the U.S. military advantage in the Western Pacific through two decades of focused military investment,” the commission stated in its 2024 report to Congress.
The Cyber and Space Race
China’s advancements are not limited to conventional military hardware. The report highlights that China’s cyber and space capabilities are now at “peer or near-peer” levels, posing a significant threat to U.S. infrastructure and military operations. These capabilities could be leveraged to disrupt critical infrastructure, complicating the U.S.’s ability to enter a conflict, especially over contentious regions like Taiwan.
“The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war,” the report ominously warns.
Policy Recommendations
In response to these growing threats, the commission has made several policy recommendations. Key among them is the call for the Pentagon to “immediately review all major systems against likely future needs, emphasizing battlefield utility and prioritizing agility, interoperability, and survivability.” The commission also recommends significantly increased investment in cyber, software, and space capabilities.
Budget Increase
To maintain a competitive edge, the commission advises raising the U.S. defense budget by an annual rate of 3 to 5 percent above inflation. This increase would support the development and procurement of advanced technologies necessary to counter Chinese advancements.
Empowering Leadership
Another crucial recommendation is to give the Joint Staff and the Secretary of Defense more authority to set and invest in future defense priorities. This includes the ability to cancel programs that do not meet strategic needs, thus ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
Industrial Base Investment
The commission also calls for a “supplemental appropriation” for multiyear investment in the national security innovation and industrial base. This would include funds earmarked for shipbuilding infrastructure, munitions production, and the hardening of military installations in Asia.
Global Engagement
Washington is urged to engage globally in the diplomatic, economic, and military realms, particularly in the Global South, where Beijing and Moscow are making significant inroads. Collaborative efforts with allies are deemed essential not only to deter Chinese aggression but also to “fight and win if needed.”
The commission’s report underscores the urgent need for the U.S. to adapt and modernize its defense strategies to counter the multifaceted threats posed by China and its allies. “We are pleased to see the range of areas in which the Commission’s findings support the results of the 2022 National Defense Strategy,” said Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Garron Garn. “However, there is still much to do to fully achieve our strategic objectives.”
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. must expedite its efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and maintain its global military dominance. The future of international security may very well hinge on these critical investments and strategic adjustments.
For further details on the commission’s findings and recommendations, you can read the full report here.
