Yes, you do!
Enter a defense cooperation with America regarding China but ...
keep reforming your armament sector towards greater autonomy.
You don't have to buy their kit to cooperate
*, Americans are pragmatic.
They'll take the mil help and still sell you good kit purely for profit!
Only if they sell at a loss, should you worry, young Jedi!
All you need are shared comms; the forces will manage fighting together.
*
Have a good day, Tay.
* France is an example of both. We source mostly in house & have no
problems joining India in Garudas exercises and yet are still US allies.