China’s Military Ambitions Unveiled: Key Takeaways from the Latest Pentagon Report

From Nuclear Expansion to Global Reach: Breaking Down the CMPR’s Highlights

In case you missed it last month amid the holiday excitement, the Department of Defense published its annual China Military Power Report (CMPR) for 2024. Formally titled the Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the CMPR provides a dense, defense-jargon-filled analysis spanning over 160 pages.

While not light reading, the CMPR offers a substantive review of the PRC, surpassing the soundbites and analysis provided by news outlets. For those interested in a thoughtful, wide-ranging assessment of China’s military as part of its national security strategy, the CMPR delivers the Pentagon’s perspective.

Since its inception in 2000, Congress has mandated the CMPR in a prescribed format, slightly tweaked over time. This year’s report, for example, includes a special topics section. The consistent structure of chapters and topics allows readers to track trends and changes over time effectively.

Who uses the CMPR?

• Senate and House Armed Services Committe…