In an internal memo, an Air Force commander has asked his subordinates to be prepared, especially by practicing shooting their targets, as the US and China risk going to war.
General Mike Minihan, head of the US Air Mobility Command, expressed that he expected a US-China war in 2025. According to NBC, General Minehan said he hoped he was wrong. He claimed that the US and Taiwan presidential elections would give China an opportunity to act against Taiwan. General Minhan asked his subordinate officers to prepare for war.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has often expressed concern over what the US views as China's military expansion and a more assertive Chinese approach towards Taiwan. China was identified as the only US competitor with increasing economic, diplomatic, military and technological power and the will to reshape the world order, according to a national security policy released by the administration in October.
“My gut tells me we will fight in 2025. Xi secured his third term and established his war council in October 2022. Taiwan's presidential elections are due in 2024 and will provide Xi with a reason to be. The United States presidential election is in 2024 and it will offer Xi a distracted America. Xi's team, cause and opportunity all align for 2025," the Washington Post quoted General Minhan as saying.
The thousands of soldiers under Minhan's command are urged by his memos to prepare for war in several other ways. He asks everyone to report them to be more proactive in their training and to investigate their personal concerns.
The current US defense budget proposal, which allows up to $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, has drawn criticism from China for exaggerating the Chinese threat and interfering in its internal affairs.
Meanwhile, General Minhan's comments do not reflect the Pentagon's position on China, a Defense Department official was reported by NBC. According to a representative of the Air Mobility Command, the letter is one component of their effort to prepare for war if resistance fails.
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