The United States Must Prepare for Simultaneous Wars with China and Russia
Expanding Conventional Forces and Strengthening Alliances
The United States is facing a critical challenge and must be ready to confront potential simultaneous conflicts with both Russia and China. To address this threat, a bipartisan panel appointed by Congress has recommended expanding the country’s conventional forces, strengthening alliances, and modernizing its nuclear weapons program.
The Strategic Posture Commission, in its comprehensive report, highlights the increasing tensions between the United States and these two powerful nations. With China’s assertiveness over Taiwan and other issues and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the panel has expressed concerns about potential coordination and cooperation between the two adversaries.
The commission emphasizes the need for the United States to abandon its current strategy of winning one conflict while deterring another. Instead, it calls for a comprehensive approach that prepares the nation to simultaneously deter and defeat both adversaries.
Challenges and Budget Considerations
Implementing the panel’s recommendations poses significant challenges, including securing substantial defense spending increases and gaining uncertain congressional support. However, the commission insists that these investments are necessary to safeguard the nation’s security.
While President Joe Biden believes the existing U.S. nuclear arsenal is sufficient to deter Russia and China, the Strategic Posture Commission disagrees. It argues that the United States and its allies must be fully prepared to counter the authoritarian regimes of these two nations, which pose a threat to the U.S.-led international order and the values it upholds.
Established in 2022, the panel, composed of six Democrats and six Republicans, aims to assess threats to the United States and propose changes to the country’s conventional and nuclear forces. The urgency to act arises from the realization that the Chinese and Russian threats will become more acute between 2027 and 2035.
Modernizing the Nuclear Program and Strengthening Defense
The report emphasizes the importance of fully funding the 30-year U.S. nuclear arms modernization program, which commenced in 2010. The program, estimated to cost $400 billion by 2046, aims to upgrade all warheads, delivery systems, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the commission recommends extending the operational lives of ballistic missile submarines and deploying more tactical nuclear weapons in Asia and Europe. These measures are crucial to enhance the United States’ deterrent capabilities and ensure preparedness in the face of evolving threats.
In conclusion, the United States faces a complex geopolitical landscape that necessitates a reevaluation of its national security strategy. The bipartisan panel’s report provides valuable insights into the challenges posed by Russia and China. By expanding conventional forces, strengthening alliances, and modernizing its nuclear weapons program, the United States can better prepare for potential simultaneous conflicts and protect its interests.
