Results of a Bipartisan Commission Report: The U.S. Must Prepare for Simultaneous War with China and Russia

A bipartisan committee appointed by the U.S. Congress stated on Thursday, October 12, that the United States must prepare for potential simultaneous wars with Russia and China by expanding conventional forces, strengthening alliances, and enhancing its nuclear weapons modernization program. According to Reuters, the Strategic Position Commission's report comes amid tensions with China over Taiwan, increased friction with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, and other issues. A senior official from this commission refrained from stating whether the gathered intelligence reports indicate cooperation between China and Russia in the nuclear weapons field. The official, who requested anonymity, said, 'We are concerned that there may be some final coordination between them that leads us to this two-war structure.' These findings alter the current U.S. national security strategy, which calls for victory in one conflict and deterrence in another, necessitating significant increases in defense spending with uncertain congressional support. The report also contradicts President Joe Biden's stance that the current U.S. nuclear arsenal is sufficient to deter the combined forces of Russia and China. This bipartisan committee, composed of six Democrats and six Republicans, was formed by Congress in 2022 to assess threats against the United States and recommend changes to U.S. conventional and nuclear forces. The 145-page report states that threats from China and Russia will intensify between 2027 and 2035, thus decisions must be made now for the country's preparedness. Another section mentions that the 30-year nuclear weapons modernization program, which began in 2010 and was estimated in 2017 to cost around $400 billion by 2046, must be fully utilized to upgrade all warheads, delivery systems, and infrastructure. Additionally, the operational lifespan of ballistic missile submarines should be extended, and more tactical nuclear weapons should be deployed in Asia and Europe.