Taiwanese tanks take part in a drill
(Picture: AP)A four-star US general has predicted the country will be at war with China within the next two years.
General Mike Minihan, who heads the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command wrote in a letter to fellow officers: “I hope I am wrong.
“My gut tells me will fight in 2025.”
The general’s views show concern at the highest levels of the U.S. military over a possible attempt by China to exert control over Taiwan, which China claims as a territory.
Both the United States and Taiwan will hold presidential elections in 2024, potentially creating an opportunity for China to take military action, Minihan wrote.
“These comments are not representative of the department’s view on China,” a U.S. defense official said.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier this month he seriously doubted ramped up Chinese military activities near the Taiwan Strait were a sign of an imminent invasion of the island by Beijing.
China has stepped up its diplomatic, military and economic pressure in recent years on the self-governed island to accept Beijing’s rule. Taiwan’s government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked.
Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said in a statement that military competition with China is a central challenge.
“Our focus remains on working alongside allies and partners to preserve a peaceful, free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Modern-day Taiwan, which is home to around 24 million people, traces its beginnings back to 1949 when the remnants of the government and army of the Chinese Republic fled to the island after being defeated by communist forces in the civil war.
Just this week, President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan told Pope Francis peaceful relations with China will only occur when Beijing respects the island’s sovereignty.
In a letter to the pontiff released by her office on Monday, President Tsai said Russia’s nearly one-year old invasion of Ukraine has underscored the need to seek peace and preserve regional security.
She told the pope armed conflict with China “is absolutely not an option,” a point she made in her annual National Day speech last October.
Tsai also said that “peace and stability” across the Taiwan Strait are the basis for developing bilateral relations with Beijing.
“Only by respecting the commitment of the Taiwanese people to our sovereignty, democracy and freedom can there be a foundation for resuming constructive interaction” Tsai said in the letter, sent in response to the pope’s annual World Day of Peace message on New Year’s Day.
