Washington: A four-star US Air Force general said in a memo that his gut told him the United States would be fighting China in the next two years, with Pentagon officials saying the comments were not in line with US military assessments.
“I hope I’m wrong,” Gen. Mike Minihan, who heads the Air Mobility Command, wrote to the leadership of about 110,000 members. “My gut says I will fight in 2025.”
The letter was written on February 1 but was sent on Friday.
The general’s views do not represent the Pentagon, but show concern at the highest level of the US military over a possible attempt by China to take control of Taiwan, which China claims as a territory. Minihan wrote that both the United States and Taiwan will hold presidential elections in 2024, potentially creating an opportunity for China to take military action.
A US defense official said, “These comments do not represent the department’s view on China.”
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier this month that he seriously doubts that an increase in Chinese military activity near the Taiwan Strait is a sign of an imminent invasion of the island by Beijing.
China has increased its diplomatic, military and economic pressure in recent years on the self-ruled island to accept Beijing’s rule. Taiwan’s government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked.
In response to a request for comment, Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said in a statement that military competition with China is a central challenge.
“Our focus remains on working with allies and partners to maintain a peaceful, free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.