Beyond Air-Sea Battle

Aaron L. Friedberg

China's military build-up, particularly the expansion of its long-range nuclear forces and its development of 'anti-access/area-denial' (A2/AD) capabilities, poses a serious threat to both the American position in East Asia, and the security of other regional powers. The growth of these forces challenges Washington's ability, and perhaps its willingness, to project power into the region. This could call American security guarantees into question, eventually undermining the United States' place as the dominant Asia-Pacific power. Left unchecked, perceived shifts in the regional military balance away from the US and its allies towards China could also raise the risks of miscalculation and deterrence failure.