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by Lawrence Kadish • November 14, 2025 at 5:00 am
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's "quick step" instructions to those who are tasked with developing our weapons will not only protect our nation but also send an unmistakable message to our adversaries that America will be forever vigilant. Pictured: Hegseth delivers remarks as part of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, California, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth knows something the rest of us should embrace.

For the last five years, Communist China's military spending has grown consistently. Published reports suggest annual budget increases of 6.8-7.2%, rising from approximately $209 billion in 2021 to $246 billion in 2025. And that is only what is reported. The real numbers are undoubtedly much higher.

In response, Hegseth has turned to America's defense industry and told them -- in no uncertain terms -- that they should consider production to be on a wartime footing. It is recognition that our nation's ability to design and field new weapons systems usually takes years, sometimes decades. If deterrence is to play a role in keeping China's pistol in its holster, we do not have the luxury of time.

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