Potential Effects of Chinese Aerospace Capabilities on U.S. Air Force Operations

Abstract : As China continues to modernize its military at a pace commensurate with its growing economic power, it is important for U.S. decision-makers to regularly evaluate the balance between observed Chinese capabilities and U.S. forces. Although armed conflict between the United States and China is extremely unlikely and would likely be mutually destructive, there are important shaping, deterrence and stability reasons for ensuring that the U.S. is well-prepared for contingencies involving China. A conflict over Taiwan has been a long-standing concern but is not the only scenario where the United States and China could become militarily involved. For instance territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas could be sources of future conflict, and other issues involving nations in South or Southeast Asia are also plausible. With the various countries and competing claims that may be involved, these situations could become even more complex than a China-Taiwan scenario.