A recent Pentagon report underscores the rapid modernization of the Chinese military, which is described as a “historic military buildup” that poses growing vulnerability to the U.S. homeland. This assessment highlights China’s advanced capabilities, particularly in hypersonic weapons, and its strategic partnership with Russia, despite underlying mutual distrust. The report emphasizes the necessity for the U.S. to address China’s challenge, which has the intent and capacity to reshape the international order, marking it as the primary geopolitical concern for American military strategy. This development reaffirms the urgency for the U.S. to enhance its defense policies in light of increasing Chinese military assertiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan.