China's military -- a collection of unprofessional soldiers just a quarter century ago -- has modernized more quickly than nearly any other in history. And its ascendance has caused nothing but concern for powers in the Asia-Pacific region, forcing them to adapt their security policies to what they see as a growing entity hostile to their interests.
Boasting the second-largest navy in the world, China has advanced so far that U.S. officials warned in the 2019 Defense Intelligence Agency's "China Military Power" report that the country has grown so confident in its new capabilities that it could start actively using them.
Despite its impressive rollout of new weapons and the development of new capabilities, however, China isn't ready to close the gap on the United States just yet. Whether on nuclear-powered submarines, aerial refueling capabilities or the logistical ability to land a sufficient number of forces in Taiwan, Beijing still...
