US Budget Prepares for Potential Confrontation with China, says Pentagon.

The Pentagon is urging Congress to approve the proposed $842 billion budget to modernize the US military and prepare for possible confrontation with China. The budget includes a 40% increase in spending to build up military capabilities in the Pacific and defend allies. The growing alliance between China and Russia is a concern, and the US is working to ensure Ukraine remains a free and independent country. The Defense Department must continue to modernize its forces to deter China, and operational readiness rates are higher now than in many years. The loss of 13 service members in Afghanistan was a strategic failure, but it was the result of decisions made over the 20-year war.