Congress Not Taking The Russian-Chinese Military Axis Seriously
A fundamental difference between leftists and progressives on one side and moderates and conservatives on the other has become apparent in the defense spending debate taking place in Congress this week.
China has developed a vast, first-rate military. It has fielded its first aircraft carrier, demonstrated an ability to shoot down satellites, continued to field advanced short, medium, and long-range missiles, successfully tested hypersonic glide vehicles, and modernized and expanded its nuclear capabilities.
Vladimir Putin has dramatically upgraded and modernized Russia’s conventional armed forces, as well as fielding the planet’s most potent nuclear arsenal. In the second decade of the 21st century, Moscow engaged in a $723 billion modernization program that included procuring 1,700 warplanes, including cutting edge fighters and new air defense batteries. Spacewar reported that,
“A total of eight Borey-class submarines are planned to join the Russian Navy by 2020 to be the backbone of Russia’s marine nuclear forces…Moscow’s innovative undersea fleet is getting a further upgrade through the development of ‘fifth generation submarines,’ unmanned nuclear vessels with advanced stealth, noise-reduction, automated reconnaissance and warning systems.”
Adding to the significant danger from Moscow and Beijing’s significantly strengthened militaries is the growing alliance between the two giant nations, which observers now call the Russian-Chinese axis.
A U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission report on Beijing’s military ties to Moscow notes that,
“Since the normalization of relations between China and the Soviet Union in 1989, Beijing and Moscow have prioritized defense and security ties, which are now among the most important components of the overall relationship. This emphasis is reflected in their 1996 “strategic partnership of coordination,” which remains the foundation for high-level cooperation. […] China steadily increased arms imports from Russia, eventually becoming Russia’s leading destination for arms exports. […] Since 2012 […] closer defense ties have been a key driver of warming China-Russia relations. Indeed, China and Russia appear to be moving toward a higher level of defense cooperation. The three main areas of the bilateral defense relationship—military exercises, military-technical cooperation, and high-level military-to-military contacts—show increases in the level and quality of engagement, collectively reflecting closer defense ties.”
The danger is apparent not just in the development of massive armed strength and the institution of an anti-American alliance, but in the actual use of hard power. During the Obama Administration, Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed part of it. It continues its assault on Kiev’s sovereignty. China invaded the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone, and engages in further illegal moves to assert its power throughout the Pacific. Both nations are expanding their influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Cuba and Venezuela.
Despite these realities, there is a significant drive to sharply cut U.S. defense spending, weakening a Pentagon still suffering from Obama-era budget cuts. The differences between the two sides are stark. President Trump has called for a $750 billion military budget, an increase of about $60 billion from the prior year. Moderate Democrats seek a smaller increase of about $40 billion. But, as the Associated Press has reported, a large number of progressive groups are calling to reduce spending from the prior year by $200 billion. Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Kirsten Gillibrand have been vocal in their intent to slash funding for a military still reeling from prior inadequate support.
The electoral appeal of urging the transfer of funds from the Pentagon to domestic programs plays well on a media predisposed to favor a progressive viewpoint. But the reality of the large and growing threat from the Russian-Chinese axis, as well as the worrisome actions of Iran, North Korea, and terrorists, makes the argument to do so an exercise in unreality.
Frank Vernuccio serves as editor-in-chief of the New York Analysis of Policy and Government.
Originally published on Townhall Finance.
Frank Vernuccio serves as editor-in-chief of the New York Analysis of Policy & Government (website usagovpolicy.com). He is the co-host of the syndicated radio program, Vernuccio/Novak Report, and is also a contributor to Fox News. His columns appear in many newspapers. After graduating Hofstra Law School, he was a legislative editor for a major publishing company, then served in both Republican and Democrat Administrations. Following the 9/11 attack, he was appointed to run the hard-hit Manhattan branch of the New York State Workers Compensation Board.
Trending Now on Affluent Christian Investor
Sorry. No data so far.
The Affluent Mix
Another Theologian Falls For Socialism February 17, 2021 | Roger McKinney

GDP Bounced Back, Sort Of February 17, 2021 | Jerry Bowyer

Apathy And Envy For All February 17, 2021 | Jim Huntzinger

The Global Stock Market Decompression February 17, 2021 | Jerry Bowyer

Why Things Are Bad And What You Should Do About It... February 17, 2021 | Terry Applegate

Gamestop Scandal: Who Is The Real Culprit?... February 11, 2021 | Roger McKinney

Who Has Economic Mobility? Everyone! February 11, 2021 | Jim Huntzinger

Biden Deletes China COVID Evidence February 11, 2021 | Frank Vernuccio

How Companies Pay Shareholders: High Earnings Quality Companies Do More Buybacks... February 11, 2021 | Jerry Bowyer

Volatility Vs. Capital Erosion February 11, 2021 | David Bahnsen

When Will The Party End? February 11, 2021 | Michael Pento

Back To Buybacks: Is It More About Dilution Than Concentration?... February 11, 2021 | Jerry Bowyer

Even Amnesty International Is Criticizing Facebook Censorship... February 5, 2021 | Frank Vernuccio

The War On Poverty’s Results February 5, 2021 | Jim Huntzinger

How Companies Pay Shareholders: Total Shareholder Payout A Better Approach?... February 5, 2021 | Jerry Bowyer

Interest Rate Threshold Keeps Dropping February 5, 2021 | Michael Pento

You Are What You Live Through As An Investor... February 5, 2021 | David Bahnsen

How Companies Pay Shareholders: What Do The Data Say?... February 5, 2021 | Jerry Bowyer

Stop Griping About Big Tech And Start Voting Your Shares... January 29, 2021 | Charles Bowyer

No, Rev. Warnock, The Bible Does Not Preach Socialism!... January 29, 2021 | Roger McKinney

Does The U.S. Actually Have Poor? January 29, 2021 | Jim Huntzinger

Incompetence Rules Blue States January 29, 2021 | Frank Vernuccio

Join the conversation!
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, vulgarity, profanity, all caps, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a courteous and useful public environment where we can engage in reasonable discourse.