China’s naval growth is equally striking. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) now boasts a fleet of over 370 ships and submarines, cementing its position as the largest navy in the world by fleet size. Compounding this is the deployment of the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which grants Chinese submarines the ability to strike the U.S. mainland from distant waters, a capability that fundamentally shifts the balance of power.

However, the report also highlights vulnerabilities within China’s military modernization efforts, particularly widespread corruption among senior military officials. While these internal issues may hinder Beijing’s goal of achieving a fully modernized military by 2027, its progress remains a cause for concern.

The Pentagon underscores the urgency of monitoring China’s military trajectory, as its ambitions pose significant implications for global security and U.S. strategic interests.