RAND report: Chinese military could challenge U.S.

Today China can mount a tough defense on its periphery although the U.S. has the advantage, while tomorrow, as America disarms and sleeps, the U.S. could mount a tough defense on its periphery although China has the advantage. That’s where this is going.

 

A new report by global policy think tank RAND Corporation says the U.S. Armed Forces would face a considerable challenge in a hypothetical conflict with China’s army.

“Over the past two decades, China’s People’s Liberation Army has transformed itself from a large but antiquated force into a capable, modern military,” the report reads. “Its technology and operation proficiency still lag behind those of the United States, but it has rapidly narrowed the gap.”

The 430-page report, written by 14 academic scholars, explores 10 areas of operation and lists a “scorecard” for each. Two scenarios were analyzed for each operation area, including an invasion of Taiwan and a Spratly Islands campaign.

China, Russia Coming Closer To Create A New World Order

The emergence of China has prompted the U.S. to shift its focus to Asia Pacific under its “Asia Pivot” strategy. But unfazed China continues to expand its geopolitical influence and military power, challenging the United States’ position as the world’s superpower. Meanwhile, economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies have prompted Russia to move closer to Asian countries to alleviate the impact of sanctions.

China Leapfrogs the U.S. in World Trade

Another indication of the decline of America’s economic and geopolitical influence

China overtook the United States in 2013 to become the world’s biggest trading nation, ending many decades of American trade dominance, according to data released by the two countries.

China’s total exports and imports of goods for 2013 hit $4.16 trillion. The U.S. hasn’t yet released its final figures for the year, but its trade of goods for the first 11 months totaled $3.5 trillion, which puts it considerably behind Beijing.