New Index Highlights China’s Expanding Military Capabilities, US Decline

Sailors stand on the deck of the new type 055 guide missile destroyer Nanchang of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy as it participates in a naval parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of China's PLA Navy in the sea near Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, on April 23, 2019. Mark Schiefelbein/AFP via Getty Images

The Heritage Foundation released its 2022 Index of U.S. Military Strength on Oct. 20, which found that the United States military was declining in its ability to perform its missions, largely due to aging resources and a lack of investment. It also found that China presented a major challenge to the continued military effectiveness of the United States.

“China is the most comprehensive threat the U.S. faces,” the report reads.