Actually this one is on us. Historically China has taken the very reasonable (and relatively inexpensive) course of having only a “minimal” nuclear deterrent. While the US and former Soviet Union built up stockpiles of thousands of warheads and hundreds missiles - spending billions of dollars... The Chinese said “if we have X number of missiles we can always be assured of hitting Z cities in the US, no US President will risk tens of millions of casualties. Done.” With X and Z being surprisingly small numbers. Well, our missile defense system, designed with enough capability to stop a terrorist launch or a a rogue launch by a sub or base commander, or unstable Iran and North Korea.... Also has enough capacity to put a very serious dent in China’s deterrent since we could (or soon will) in theory stop many (all?) of their previous generation missiles. So in order to maintain their deterrent, they need more and more capable missiles.
Oh bullshit. They don’t “need” to do anything. We are no threat to them they are ruthless murderers.
The only thing that will deter them is a radical conventional and nuclear build up.
They have no “need” to attack the United States or any other country. They are wild animals.