RIGHT from the beginning, Beijing has maintained that its military modernization is strictly defensive, designed to ensure credible second-strike capabilities that deter foreign intervention in its sovereign affairs. This posture reflects an ancient wisdom rooted in peace, respect for humanity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Analytically, a stronger Chinese strategic deterrent fundamentally reduces the risk of conflict by discouraging hegemonic actions and promoting structural strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Thus, China’s holistic, comprehensive, productive and peace-oriented defense policy secures its sovereignty, national dignity, economic prosperity and export diversity amid emerging and severe regional power dynamics and war-gaming scenarios.

Most recently, a strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy successfully launched a strategic missile carrying a dummy warhead into relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean; it landed within the designated waters. This test involved the firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine. China’s navy surpassed the US Navy in battle force ships in 2014 and its capacity has only expanded since then. Consequently, China has further diversified its military modernization by broadening its military capabilities and increasing its ballistic missile stockpile.

Moreover, the formation of AUKUS, the QUAD the construction of US naval and military bases in various ASEAN countries, emerging military partnerships, joint drills and, last but not least, arms supplies and the presence of US special forces in Taiwan and other regional countries have seriously damaged regional peace posing serious threats to........

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