Analyzing Post-2010 China-US Defense Expenditures: Uncovering the New Arms Race

Authors

Muhammad Yaqub Lecturer at Center for Caucasian, Asian, Chinese and Pakistan Studies, University of Swat
Junaid Ali PhD Scholar at School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Jilin University
Dr. Sarfaraz Khan Assistant Prof at Centre for Caucasian, Asian, Chinese and Pakistan Studies, University of Swat
Dr. Attaullah Jan Assistant Professor, Pakistan Studies, Qurtaba University of Science and Technology, Peshawar

New Arms Race, Defense Expenditures, Security Dilemma, Military Modernization

The New Arms Race encapsulates a dynamic geopolitical competition

characterized by escalating military capabilities and strategic posturing

between the U.S and China. Amidst the intensifying Sino-US arms race, the

objective of this research is to examine the trends and patterns of Sino-US

defense spending’s (2010-2022) to analyze the evolving military competition's

strategic, economic and social implications, contributing to the discourse on

global security and stability. Data from reputable sources like SIPRI, IISS, plus

official budget reports and defense White-Paper’s inform the analysis. Using a

mix-method approach, quantitative data is descriptively presented to highlight

trends, patterns, and significant changes over time. Plus, qualitative analysis is

conducted to interpret the implications of these expenses, drawing on

International Relation’s theories and expert opinions to assess how shifts in

military spending influences power dynamics, alliances, and conflicts? The

results show that, the global military expenditures surpassed $2240 billion.

China's defense spending has seen a 29-year consecutive increase, while the

US maintains its top spender status, propelled by ongoing modernization

efforts and diverse geopolitical strategies. This study is Grounded in the

"Security Dilemma" framework, assumes that potential enemies would view a

country's attempts to strengthen its security as a threat, setting off a cycle of

action and reaction that deepens mutual suspicions and contributes to the

potential for an arms race. Due to the Sino-US ongoing military modernization

plans and diverse geopolitical strategies, it is suggested that this tendency will

persist in the foreseeable future.