A new Pentagon report, the Department of Defense’s Annual Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China, warns that China’s historic military buildup has made the U.S. homeland increasingly vulnerable, even as US–China relations are described as diplomatically stable. The report says China has expanded capabilities in nuclear weapons, missiles, cyberwarfare, and space, and is preparing to be able to fight and win a war over Taiwan by 2027, according to Lee Ferran of Breaking Defense. Key findings include growth in China’s satellite and cyber capabilities, a major nuclear buildup toward 1,000 warheads by 2030, new ICBM deployments and tests, and closer military cooperation with Russia. While the Trump administration emphasizes improved relations with Beijing, the Pentagon stresses the need to remain ready to defend U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific. They write:

The recent push by China to build up and modernize its military means the American homeland is “increasingly vulnerable” to a myriad of threats that “directly threaten Americans’ security,” according to a new Pentagon report. […]

The assessment says that in 2024 China “tested essential components” of Taiwan invasion options, “including through exercises to strike sea and land targets, strike U.S. forces in the Pacific, and block access to key ports.” […]

Earlier this week President Donald Trump was asked if he had China in mind as a potential adversary for the newly announced Trump-class battleship.

“It’s counter to everybody; it’s not China,” Trump said then. “We get along great with China. I have a great relationship with President Xi.” […]

“Under President Trump’s leadership, relations between the United States and China are stronger than they have been in many years, and the Department of War will support efforts to build on this progress,” the report says. “[…] At the same time, we will ensure that the Joint Force is always ready and able to defend our nation’s interests in the Indo-Pacific. As we do so, it bears emphasizing that U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific are fundamental — but also scoped and reasonable.

“We do not seek to strangle, dominate, or humiliate China,” it says.

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