According to Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the Chinese military is experiencing the biggest reinforcement in the history of the Chinese regime since World War II.
Aquilino made the comment during a conversation hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Research Institute on June 24 (pdf).
The buildup encompasses all areas and capabilities of the military, such as warships, fifth-generation aircraft, missile forces, cyber capability, space capability, and strategic nuclear capability.
He said “the concern of all Americans should be the pace, scale and scope [with which] China is growing and what does this mean in terms of the intention of a peaceful future world? »
Allies and homeland security
During the conversation, Aquilino discussed the importance of Guam to US military posture and deterrence in the region.
He said Guam was under 360 degree threat from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) rocket forces. It is absolutely essential “with a sense of urgency in order to deliver the capabilities that both defend and we can project the power of Guam,” Aquilino said.
He pointed out that Guam is extremely important and that with “125,000 American citizens, it is the homeland.”
He stressed that partners in Japan and South Korea are also important, saying: “The places where we operate with our allies and partners across the region [are] important for deterrence.
He called the Indo-Pacific region “half the globe” and “the United States can operate as a joint, synchronized, integrated force in all areas over great distances,” as has been proven over the years. .
Earlier in May, Aquilino also warned of the PLA’s threat to the world order.
In the statement before the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense on May 17 (pdf), Aquilino said, “The PRC seeks to become a global military power and to acquire the capability to seize Taiwan, while by developing conventional weapons that can reach the American homeland.”
According to the National Defense Strategy 2022 (pdf), the Pentagon has identified the Chinese regime as “the most significant strategic competitor and pace challenge for the Department.”
Chen Ting contributed to this report.
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Mary Hong has been a contributor to The Epoch Times since 2020. She has reported on human rights issues and Chinese politics.
