On a near-daily basis, Chinese forces encircle Taiwan, interfere with Philippine fishing and shipping, and intrude on Japan’s territory. China’s leaders regularly threaten these United States allies with further escalation—including invasion—if they do not yield to Beijing’s demands. Fortunately, the new administration has made protecting US allies from China its top defense priority.

But to do so while also seeking to rein in defense spending, the US will need to use emerging technologies and tactics that include uncrewed systems, new munitions, and cyber and electronic warfare. This will require the Department of the Navy to move away from traditional ways of fighting and embrace the approaches on display in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Hudson Institute released a series of reports during the last year detailing how the US Navy and Marine Corps can regain the advantage against China. At Sea Air Space 2025, Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Timothy A. Walton will discuss their findings with a panel of government and industry experts tasked with implementing these ideas.