The Effect on the U.S. Economy of Changes in Defence Spending
Oh good lord, what am I reading…
The quality of China’s military force is not currently up to U.S. standards. But China’s defense budget will grow with its GDP. It is important for the United States to recognize that future generations of Chinese leaders could use its larger GDP to pursue more aggressive policies.
America’s defense policy and our defense budget should therefore focus on the future generations of Chinese civilian and military leaders and should recognize the virtual certainty of China’s growing economic power. The United States should maintain a military capability such that no future generation of Chinese leaders will consider a military challenge to the United States or consider using military force to intimidate the United States or our allies.
China’s future military spending and its weapons development will depend on China’s perception of what the United States is doing now and what we will do in the future. If we show a determination to remain invincible, China will not waste resources on trying to challenge us in an arms race. But if we keep cutting defense budgets, the Chinese will see this as an indication of U.S. weakness now and in the future. ..read more.
November 17, 2011, 8:34am
