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Members of the US House Armed Services Committee have been formally briefed on the scale, pace and scope of Beijing’s rapid military build-up as the competition between the two superpowers continues to heat up.
John Noh, serving as acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, testified at a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, warning that China aims to dominate the Indo-Pacific and supplant the United States as the world’s pre-eminent power. He noted that President Xi Jinping has ordered the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
To counter this rising threat, Noh argued that the US must restore deterrence in the Indo-Pacific by deploying combat-ready forces, rebalancing burden sharing with allies and partners, and boosting its defence industrial base.
“Stronger allies lead to stronger alliances, and stronger alliances deter aggression and create dilemmas for our adversaries,” he said.
Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, highlighted the myriad challenges in the region, emphasising that, “Foremost among them is China’s increasingly aggressive and assertive behaviour. Their unprecedented military modernisation encompassing advancements in artificial intelligence, [hypersonic missiles], space-based capabilities, among others, poses a real and serious threat to our homeland, to our allies and to our partners.”
He pointed out that in 2024, the PLA ramped up operations near Taiwan by 300 per cent, describing these activities not merely as exercises but as rehearsals for future conflict. While Beijing’s actions aim to intimidate Taiwan and project coercive power, they may inadvertently accelerate Taiwan’s defensive preparations and draw heightened global scrutiny.
Paparo also mentioned that China is outpacing the US in air, maritime and missile production while rapidly advancing its space and counter-space capabilities – a development that challenges US military superiority but also opens the door to potential reforms and long-term strategic gains.
He warned of further regional risks, saying, “North Korea’s development of advanced nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles – including a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States – poses a direct threat to our homeland and to our allies,” adding that military support from Russia to North Korea and growing Sino-Russian cooperation compound the challenge.
Paparo concluded by emphasising Indo-Pacific Command’s role in deterring threats and maintaining regional stability, noting that last year, the command undertook 120 joint exercises, 20 of which were major operations with allies and partners.
“Though we face serious challenges, the joint force remains confident, resolute and determined to prevail. Deterrence remains our highest duty,” he said.
For Australia, these developments underscore a shifting security landscape in our own Indo-Pacific neighbourhood. As China continues its aggressive military enhancements, Australia – already a key partner in regional security frameworks like the Quad and ANZUS – may need to re-evaluate its defence posture and alliance commitments.
Increased Chinese military assertiveness could mean that Australia faces not only direct security challenges but also heightened strategic pressures, forcing a broader reassessment of regional deterrence strategies and defence investments.
This new dynamic reinforces Australia’s role as a stabilising force in the region, urging closer cooperation with the US and other allies to ensure a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.
