The days of Chinese double-digit growth are gone. Yet, the analytical separation of economic matters from strategic and military planning is both surprising and illogical. Beijing's capacity to continue building its military power is diminishing much faster than is commonly appreciated.
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A weapon is mounted on the Lehit ground robotic system, developed by specialists of the International Legion under the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, during a demonstration in Ukraine on December 9, 2025. (Getty Images)