According to a recent article published in the New York Times, the Chinese Navy possesses more ships than the United States Navy. Of course, this had led to a lot of debate on this topic, and people are wondering whether China is more powerful than America. But is this assumption true or not?
At the time being, America is seen as the world’s leading military power. And one thing is true – in comparison with other countries, America is the nation that invests the most in its defense. Notwithstanding, it seems that Chinese president Xi Jinping aims at surpassing America in this respect, anticipating that, by the year 2035, China will be more powerful.
In regard to the actual size of the two military systems, China actually has the largest military on the planet. More specifically, it comprises of two million active personnel in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Nevertheless, if we were to compare the amount of money invested in this direction, then America is definitely in the lead. Expressly, China only spends one-third of the amount spent by the United States in order to improve the armament. This is outlined in official sources.
However, size isn’t the most important thing when it comes to a country’s military power. What matters most is the technology used – since technology remains the most influential component in all segments of our lives. Essentially, there are other aspects matter, such as the strategic approaches, as only some are excellent for CQB.
Major Distinction in Performance
Furthermore, China’s large-sized military includes antiqued mid-twentieth century components. For instance, the PLA assembles 8,000 tanks. Nonetheless, it’s worth pointing out that 3,000 of the tanks are 1950s-era tanks. In the meantime, the PLA features approximately 500 Type 99 tanks. These are a bit similar to U.S. M1 Abrams.
Another legit example is that China has 1,700 pieces of aircraft and one-third of them comprises of dated J-7 fighters. On a different note, there is a small segment featuring leading generation equipment.
On the other hand, we have America, a leader in technology. The U.S. military has over two thousand fourth-generation combat jets. Plus, these have been widely supplemented by fifth-generation stealth designs. When it comes to these newer plane models, their performance and capacity on the battlefield are definitely outstanding.
With that in mind, we would like to outline that America’s military spending habits are mirrored in its interest in technology and innovation. This is what distinguishes it from the rest of the world – including China.
At the same time, when the situation allows it, America’s military would much rather send a drone, for instance, instead of a man. Evidently, this isn’t possible every time. But it is a common strategy that aims at diminishing the likelihood of casualties.
With that in mind, a distinguishing characteristic could be the fact that the Pentagon is interested in developing state-of-the-art intelligence while focusing on communication capabilities. This is the key to optimizing the efficiency level of weapons. This approach is in sheer contrast with the strategy embraced during World War II. During that military conflict, numerous platforms were fielded – which were cheaper and larger.
In this view, if we were to analyze China, then we would have to say that its technology is still lagging, significantly suffering from quality control issues. On the other hand, we can’t deny that China is still quite capable in the realm of technology.
Aside from that, it is prone to embrace Western and Russian technologies. That is not all, though; Chinese hackers have also proven themselves to be really capable of hacking into other countries’ computer systems. This translates into perpetuating industrial espionage.
Even so, Beijing didn’t embrace the same election-manipulation techniques that were used by neighboring Russia.
Different Positioning as Well
We must also take into account the geographical positioning of the two countries, as this is relevant. To that end, from an operational point of view, the United States and China have very different specifications and needs.
For one thing, America is isolated from its foes. At the same time, it focuses primarily on its massive network of overseas. What does this mean?
Evidently, this necessitates globe-spanning logistical capabilities, which would imply aerial refueling tankers, hundreds of transport planes, as well as amphibious carriers and transports for Marine units. It is also primordial to maintain strong diplomatic alliances, in order to keep the bases supplied with personnel and ammunition.
Let’s look at an example. America’s operations in Asia are significantly dependent on the alliances with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, and the Philippines. At the same time, we would also like to point out that a range of these Asian countries, as well as Central and Western European nations, depend on America’s military forces for addressing their security needs.
Now, in contrast with America, China is only starting to implement such logistics. If we were to analyze its geographical position, as well, then we would have to note that it is surrounded by military competitors, namely Japan, Russia, and India. In this respect, China aims at developing multi-national institutions – for example, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Here, we could also include the aspirational Silk Road Project that will probably foster stronger ties.
Furthermore, China is also focused on enhancing its capacities for long-range expeditionary operations which are confirming its status of growing superpower. For example, China has a superior status in Africa, where it dominates the industry market.
The Bottom Line
Nonetheless, in spite of all these efforts, some bigger than others, the United States military is still superior, partly due to the much more recent combat experience, especially in the case of joint operations. That is not all, though – America’s approach towards implementing technology in all segments is also an aspect that plays a key role in its military supremacy.
Hence, it would be safe to argue that China has a long way to go until it will be able to call itself superior to the United States.
At the time being, America is seen as the world’s leading military power. And one thing is true – in comparison with other countries, America is the nation that invests the most in its defense. Notwithstanding, it seems that Chinese president Xi Jinping aims at surpassing America in this respect, anticipating that, by the year 2035, China will be more powerful.
In regard to the actual size of the two military systems, China actually has the largest military on the planet. More specifically, it comprises of two million active personnel in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Nevertheless, if we were to compare the amount of money invested in this direction, then America is definitely in the lead. Expressly, China only spends one-third of the amount spent by the United States in order to improve the armament. This is outlined in official sources.
However, size isn’t the most important thing when it comes to a country’s military power. What matters most is the technology used – since technology remains the most influential component in all segments of our lives. Essentially, there are other aspects matter, such as the strategic approaches, as only some are excellent for CQB.
Major Distinction in Performance
Furthermore, China’s large-sized military includes antiqued mid-twentieth century components. For instance, the PLA assembles 8,000 tanks. Nonetheless, it’s worth pointing out that 3,000 of the tanks are 1950s-era tanks. In the meantime, the PLA features approximately 500 Type 99 tanks. These are a bit similar to U.S. M1 Abrams.
Another legit example is that China has 1,700 pieces of aircraft and one-third of them comprises of dated J-7 fighters. On a different note, there is a small segment featuring leading generation equipment.
On the other hand, we have America, a leader in technology. The U.S. military has over two thousand fourth-generation combat jets. Plus, these have been widely supplemented by fifth-generation stealth designs. When it comes to these newer plane models, their performance and capacity on the battlefield are definitely outstanding.
With that in mind, we would like to outline that America’s military spending habits are mirrored in its interest in technology and innovation. This is what distinguishes it from the rest of the world – including China.
At the same time, when the situation allows it, America’s military would much rather send a drone, for instance, instead of a man. Evidently, this isn’t possible every time. But it is a common strategy that aims at diminishing the likelihood of casualties.
With that in mind, a distinguishing characteristic could be the fact that the Pentagon is interested in developing state-of-the-art intelligence while focusing on communication capabilities. This is the key to optimizing the efficiency level of weapons. This approach is in sheer contrast with the strategy embraced during World War II. During that military conflict, numerous platforms were fielded – which were cheaper and larger.
In this view, if we were to analyze China, then we would have to say that its technology is still lagging, significantly suffering from quality control issues. On the other hand, we can’t deny that China is still quite capable in the realm of technology.
Aside from that, it is prone to embrace Western and Russian technologies. That is not all, though; Chinese hackers have also proven themselves to be really capable of hacking into other countries’ computer systems. This translates into perpetuating industrial espionage.
Even so, Beijing didn’t embrace the same election-manipulation techniques that were used by neighboring Russia.
Different Positioning as Well
We must also take into account the geographical positioning of the two countries, as this is relevant. To that end, from an operational point of view, the United States and China have very different specifications and needs.
For one thing, America is isolated from its foes. At the same time, it focuses primarily on its massive network of overseas. What does this mean?
Evidently, this necessitates globe-spanning logistical capabilities, which would imply aerial refueling tankers, hundreds of transport planes, as well as amphibious carriers and transports for Marine units. It is also primordial to maintain strong diplomatic alliances, in order to keep the bases supplied with personnel and ammunition.
Let’s look at an example. America’s operations in Asia are significantly dependent on the alliances with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, and the Philippines. At the same time, we would also like to point out that a range of these Asian countries, as well as Central and Western European nations, depend on America’s military forces for addressing their security needs.
Now, in contrast with America, China is only starting to implement such logistics. If we were to analyze its geographical position, as well, then we would have to note that it is surrounded by military competitors, namely Japan, Russia, and India. In this respect, China aims at developing multi-national institutions – for example, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Here, we could also include the aspirational Silk Road Project that will probably foster stronger ties.
Furthermore, China is also focused on enhancing its capacities for long-range expeditionary operations which are confirming its status of growing superpower. For example, China has a superior status in Africa, where it dominates the industry market.
The Bottom Line
Nonetheless, in spite of all these efforts, some bigger than others, the United States military is still superior, partly due to the much more recent combat experience, especially in the case of joint operations. That is not all, though – America’s approach towards implementing technology in all segments is also an aspect that plays a key role in its military supremacy.
Hence, it would be safe to argue that China has a long way to go until it will be able to call itself superior to the United States.
