SOFREP Daily: Pentagon Warns of China’s Expanding Military Ambitions, Israeli Strikes Hit Yemen Ports and Power Plants, Syrian HTS Leader Plans to Dissolve Armed Wing – SOFREP News Team

Good Morning! Here’s your daily dose of defense and global affairs insights for Thursday, December 19, bringing you the latest developments shaping the world’s security landscape.

Pentagon Warns of China’s Expanding Military Ambitions in Latest Report

According to a new Pentagon report released Wednesday, China’s military ambitions are making waves.

Over the past year, Beijing has ramped up its nuclear arsenal, upped military pressure on Taiwan, and cozied up to Russia. But it’s not all smooth sailing for China as corruption scandals within its Central Military Commission are creating hurdles, thus slowing progress in key areas of its military modernization.

The report reveals that China’s nuclear force is growing both in number and sophistication, aiming for diverse targeting and greater damage capability.

Currently, China has over 600 nuclear warheads, a number expected to hit 1,000 by 2030. At the same time, tensions over Taiwan remain high, with increased naval and air activity around the island, raising concerns about a potential blockade.

Despite Beijing’s aggressive moves, the outgoing Biden administration is working on a dual strategy, bolstering America’s presence in the Asia-Pacific while trying to improve diplomatic communication.

There’s been a slight dip in risky intercepts of American aircraft recently, but unsafe Chinese flights near the US and allied forces are still happening.

The report also highlights China’s deepening ties with Russia, including support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine and the sale of dual-use items for military purposes.