May 17, 2025
Recent reports suggest the United States is actively preparing for the possibility of a prolonged conflict with China, with a focus on defending Taiwan against a potential attack. U.S. military leaders and strategic assessments are warning of major disruptions, including to American bases and infrastructure at home, due to China’s rapid military buildup and increasing aggression in the Indo-Pacific. On May 16, 2025, Brigadier General Doug Wickert of the U.S. Air Force warned civic leaders at Edwards Air Force Base that a Chinese strike on Taiwan could cause “massive disruption,” noting China’s growing capability and readiness for a major war. Supporting these concerns, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has been exploring scenarios ranging from a full-scale blockade to an amphibious invasion of Taiwan. Admiral Samuel Paparo acknowledged the current U.S. advantage but stressed that China's swift military expansion is closing the gap.
To counter these developments, the U.S. is enhancing regional military posture, including restructuring command elements in Japan to create a “war-fighting headquarters” capable of rapid joint operations with Japanese forces. Reports warn of the potential for simultaneous global flashpoints—including North Korea, Russia, and Iran—further complicating U.S. readiness. Think tanks like the Heritage Foundation have voiced concern over U.S. vulnerability to nuclear escalation, highlighting scenarios where China might use tactical nuclear weapons to cripple American response, particularly at bases like Guam. China’s military drills around Taiwan—with dozens of aircraft, warships, and the Shandong carrier—demonstrate its preparation for blockades and strikes on strategic targets. Analysts emphasize that U.S. communities, especially those near military installations, must be prepared for disruptions from cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage, and potential kinetic strikes, as tensions escalate and the threat of direct conflict looms larger.
Stay Awake. Keep Watch.
SOURCE: Reuters