Posted on 20230128 12:17 PM / Updated on 20230128 12:17 PM
(Image credit: Playback/Twitter @amccomander)
Washington, United States A fourstar general in the US Air Force has warned of the possibility of conflict with China as early as 2025 most likely over Taiwan and urged commanders to urge their units to achieve maximum operational readiness.
In an internal memo, originally circulated on social media and later confirmed to be genuine by the Pentagon, Air Mobility Command chief Gen. Mike Minihan says the primary goal should be to “deter and, if necessary, defeat” China.
“I hope I’m wrong. My gut says we’ll be in the fight by 2025,” Minihan said.
Minihan said next year’s presidential election in Taiwan will provide Chinese President Xi Jinping with an excuse for military aggression while the US government will focus on its own race for the White House.
“Xi’s team, motive and opportunity will be aligned in 2025,” he added.
The memo also tells all Mobility Command officers to go to the firing range, “fire a magazine” at a target, and “aim for the head.”
In an email, a Pentagon spokesman responded to an AFP request for comment on the memo: “Yes, it is a fact that he sent this.”
Senior US officials have said in recent months that China appears to be accelerating its timetable to attempt to take control of Taiwan, an autonomous democracy whose territory is claimed by Beijing.
China held major military drills in August last year, which analysts saw as training for an invasion following thenHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s defiant solidarity visit to Taipei.
The US government shifted recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, but sells weapons to Taiwan to defend the island.
Many US congressmen are calling for increased aid, including direct military aid to Taiwan. They point out that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows the need for advance preparation.