Key Changes in U.S. and Chinese Military Capabilities, 2017–2024 | RAND
AI Analysis
A RAND Corporation report analyzes the evolution of U.S. and Chinese military capabilities between 2017-2024, identifying China as the primary military competitor to the United States. The study, commissioned by the Secretary of the Air Force, compiles open-source data for policymakers and the public. The report was published in May 2026, suggesting a delayed release of analysis on recent developments.
Key Takeaways
- The report focuses on a comparative analysis of U.S. and PRC military advancements.
- It is a reference work intended for U.S. defense policymakers.
- RAND Project AIR FORCE conducted the research under commission from the Secretary of the Air Force.
- The study is part of the RAND 'expert insights' series, focusing on timely policy issues.
- The report is 28 pages long and based on open-source intelligence (OSINT).
Why It Matters
Understanding the evolving military capabilities of both the U.S. and China is crucial for strategic planning and resource allocation. This report provides a consolidated view of these changes, potentially informing future defense strategies and procurement decisions. The delayed publication date (May 2026 analyzing 2017-2024 data) suggests a deliberate process of analysis and vetting.
Key Changes in U.S. and Chinese Military Capabilities, 2017–2024 | RAND
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Key Changes in U.S. and Chinese Military Capabilities, 2017–2024
Jacob L. Heim, Cristina L. Garafola
Expert InsightsPublished May 12, 2026
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U.S. defense policymakers identify the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the most formidable military competitor to the United States today. This paper compiles open-source data on the evolution of PRC and U.S. military capabilities from 2017 to 2024. It is intended as a reference work for U.S. policymakers and members of the public who are interested in the U.S.-China military competition.
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Document Details
- Copyright: RAND Corporation
- Availability: Web-Only
- Year: 2026
- Pages: 28
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.7249/PEA3663-1
- Document Number: PE-A3663-1
Citation
Chicago Manual of Style
Heim, Jacob L. and Cristina L. Garafola, Key Changes in U.S. and Chinese Military Capabilities, 2017–2024. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2026. https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA3663-1.html.
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Research conducted by
- RAND Project AIR FORCE
This work was commissioned by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director for Studies and Analysis, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and conducted within the Strategy and Doctrine Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE.
This publication is part of the RAND expert insights series. The expert insights series presents perspectives on timely policy issues.
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