Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A four-star United States Air Force general has warned of a conflict with China as early as 2025. Most likely, the war will take place over Taiwan.
Therefore, the US side urges its commanders to push their units to reach maximum operational combat readiness this year.
In an internal memorandum that first appeared on social media on Friday, and was later confirmed as genuine by the Pentagon, the head of Air Mobility Command, General Mike Minihan, said his ultimate goal was to deter and, if necessary, defeat China.
“I hope I’m wrong. My instincts say we will fight in 2025,” said Minihan quoting AFP, Saturday (28/1/2023).
Minihan said Taiwan’s presidential election next year would give Chinese President Xi Jinping an excuse for military aggression, while the United States would be distracted by its own contest for the White House.
“Xi’s team, cause and opportunities are all aligned for 2025,” he added.
The memorandum also called for all Mobile Command personnel to go to the firing range, “clip fire” at targets and “head aim”.
A Pentagon spokesperson responded to AFP email questions about the memo by saying, “Yes, it is factual that he sent it.”
Senior US officials have said in recent months that China appeared to be speeding up its timetable for taking control of Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by Beijing.
China carried out massive military drills in August last year, which were seen as a test invasion following a solidarity visit to Taipei by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was second only to the White House at the time.
The United States switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but sold arms to Taiwan for self-defense.
A growing number of US lawmakers are calling for increased aid, including the delivery of direct military aid to Taiwan, saying that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscored the need for early preparations.
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