U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth knows something the rest of us should embrace.
For the last five years, Communist China's military spending has grown consistently. Published reports suggest annual budget increases of 6.8-7.2%, rising from approximately $209 billion in 2021 to $246 billion in 2025. And that is only what is reported. The real numbers are undoubtedly much higher.
In response, Hegseth has turned to America's defense industry and told them -- in no uncertain terms -- that they should consider production to be on a wartime footing. It is recognition that our nation's ability to design and field new weapons systems usually takes years, sometimes decades. If deterrence is to play a role in keeping China's pistol in its holster, we do not have the luxury of time.
China's enormous military investment has allowed it to modernize and strengthen virtually every facet of its armed forces. From naval expansion to personnel training to its nuclear arsenal, defense analysts note that China is narrowing the gap with the United States.
Of particular interest is China's growing nuclear stockpile, with 600 operational warheads this year. That is a doubling of warheads since the Center for Strategic and International Studies report issued in 2019. It will only grow in the decades to come.
Hegseth obviously sees highly classified information, so it would not be surprising that his mornings begin with conference calls to defense industry executives regarding the need for urgency, productivity and results. It is reported that he is looking at incentives for those firms that achieve his goals, while also identifying non-traditional defense contractors who know how to break through red tape.
America's planned "Golden Dome" anti-missile system is already being pursued at "wartime speed," but today's military threats are many and varied. Hegseth's "quick step" instructions to those who are tasked with developing our weapons will not only protect our nation but also send an unmistakable message to our adversaries that America will be forever vigilant.
Lawrence Kadish serves on the Board of Governors of Gatestone Institute.
