Pentagon to spend US$12 billion on surveillance over China’s military build-up in Asia

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by BloombergFebruary 25, 2026 at 07:05 PM

AI Summary

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In 2026, the Pentagon plans to allocate US$12.6 billion to enhance surveillance of China's military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. The funding, detailed in a document sent to Congress, aims to counter China's military build-up, specifically targeting maneuvers, submarines, and satellites. Approved outside the normal budget process, the money will improve US military readiness, offensive cyber capabilities, and surveillance efforts. It will also expand operations of a classified Boeing spacecraft. The expenditures are part of a larger US$152 billion allocation from a tax-and-spending package, separate from the formal 2026 defense spending measure. The US Indo-Pacific Command will oversee these efforts to address perceived threats to US security interests and economic prosperity in the region.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Boeing 40% Donald Trump 40% Chinese embassy in Washington 50% US Indo-Pacific Command 60% Department of Defence 60% Asia 70% Congress ×370% United States ×380% Indo-Pacific ×280% Pentagon 90% China ×4100%

Keywords

china 90% military build-up 90% surveillance 80% indo-pacific 70% pentagon 70% military manoeuvres 60% offensive cyber capabilities 50% us security interests 50% defence spending 40%