China’s ‘Breathtaking’ Pace in Military Modernization Poses Serious Threat to US, Admiral Says

Military vehicles carrying DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2019. Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

The commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s nuclear arsenal, has given a dire warning about China’s rapidly increasing military capability.

“We are witnessing a strategic breakout by China. The explosive growth and modernization of its nuclear and conventional forces can only be what I describe as breathtaking,” Adm. Charles Richard said on Aug. 12. “Business as usual will not work.