A four-star US Air Force general encouraged his commanders to push their units to reach maximum operational battle readiness this year in light of the possibility of a fight with China as early as 2025, most likely over Taiwan.
General Mike Minihan, commander of the Air Mobility Command, stated that the primary objective should be to dissuade “and, if required, defeat” China in an internal document that was initially leaked on social media on Friday and later verified as authentic by the Pentagon.
“I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025,” Minihan said.
Minihan explained his thinking, claiming that the upcoming presidential elections in Taiwan would provide Chinese President Xi Jinping with justification for the military attack. At the same time, the United States would be preoccupied with its presidential election.
He continued, “For 2025, Xi’s team, purpose, and opportunity are all aligned.” Additionally, the message instructs every member of Mobile Command to visit the shooting range, “fire a clip” into a target, and “aim for the head.”
In response to an email from AFP asking about the letter, a Pentagon spokeswoman said, “Yes, it’s factual that he sent that out.” Senior US officials have recently suggested that China appeared to be moving more quickly toward annexing Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as its own.
China conducted major military drills in August of last year, which were perceived as a practice invasion after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, second in line for the White House at the time, made a defiant solidarity visit to Taipei.
In 1979, the United States moved its recognition from Taipei to Beijing, yet it continues to sell Taiwan weaponry for its defense.
Many US legislators have urged stepping up assistance in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even providing Taiwan direct military aid.
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For almost 4 years, Jason Martin has been a freelance writer for newspapers, journals, blogs, books, and online material. He covers the most recent news as well as many other topics.