Comparing the U.S., China, and Russia reveals how money, technology, and global reach matter more than sheer force size in modern warfare.

For decades, China’s People’s Liberation Army, or PLA, has marshaled resources, technology and political will to achieve its vision of a world-class military. “The PLA is a key component of China’s ambition to displace the United States as the world’s most powerful nation,” according to the DOD report.

China is in the midst of a “historic military buildup” that has made the US homeland “increasingly vulnerable,” according to the latest edition of a Pentagon report on the capabilities of the Asian nation’s military,

China’s top diplomat has slammed a record U.S. military sale to Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday also blasted what he called pro-independence forces in Taiwan and the leaders of Japan.

The U.S. attack on Venezuela will embolden China to strengthen its territorial claims over areas such as Taiwan and parts of the South China Sea but will not hasten any potential invasion of Taiwan, analysts said.

As 2026 approaches, US-China relations face mounting pressure from Taiwan tensions, America first politics and military timelines that are shrinking room for delay.

China’s military mobilized army, navy, air and rocket units around Taiwan for two days of military drills aimed at sending a “serious warning” against any push for Taiwanese independence and “external” forces interfering with the island.

China's top diplomat has accused the United States of acting like the world's policeman and condemned US military strikes on Venezuela as a serious violation of international law and sovereignty. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks on Sunday during high-level talks in Beijing with Ishaq Dar,