China threat used to convince Congress of need to bolster US military capabilities

AdvertisementUS-China relationsChinaDiplomacyChina threat used to convince Congress of need to bolster US military capabilitiesWashington puts spotlight on Beijing’s Taiwan, space operations during hearing on US military’s combat readiness for next year 3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenYuanyue Dangin WashingtonPublished: 7:08am, 16 Apr 2026Updated: 7:10am, 16 Apr 2026US military leaders painted a picture of Chinese military threats, spanning Taiwan and space, as they briefed Congress on the military readiness for the financial year 2027 on Wednesday.The People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) “invasion rehearsals and live-fire exercises near Taiwan and around the region” had illustrated “the need for combat-ready naval forces in the Indo-Pacific”, according to James Kilby, vice chief of Naval Operations.“[The US Navy therefore] remains committed to partnering and burden-sharing with allies and partners around the world to deter and, if necessary, defeat threats to the peace,” Kilby said. AdvertisementKilby made the remarks on Wednesday in a statement to the House Armed Services Subcommittee during a hearing on the US military’s combat readiness for next year, as the US Congress returned from recess.Throughout the hearing, the US military’s operational challenges in Iran were a key focus of discussion. 02:48 Trump unveils Golden Dome defence system to counter Russian, Chinese missile threats Trump unveils Golden Dome defence system to counter Russian, Chinese missile threatsGenerals from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force acknowledged that US military ships, aircraft, and ground vehicles are generally facing shortages of spare parts, limited access to maintenance and insufficient industrial production capacity. AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x