A US Air Force general expects the Chinese army to invade Taiwan within two years. He wrote that in a memorandum last weekend. US President Joe Biden has already pledged to support Taiwan in the event of an escalation.
They see themselves as the protective power of the island nation. “I hope I’m wrong. My gut tells me we’re going to fight in 2025,” US General Michael Minihan wrote in a memorandum. He heads the Air Mobility Command. According to German media, Minihan argues that the US will be “distracted” from the 2024 Taiwan presidential election and the US presidential election. This gives Chinese President Xi Jinping the opportunity to take action against Taiwan.
Soldiers must prepare
The general’s message went to, among others, the commanders of the Air Mobility Command (AMC). According to “Spiegel”, Minihan asked the 107,000 subordinates to report to him on progress in preparing for a possible battle with China before February 28. Specifically, all servicemen and men “should fire a clip at a seven-meter target, fully aware that unrepentant lethality is paramount. Aim for the head.” The AMC controls nearly 50,000 military forces and nearly 500 aircraft.
A US Defense Department official confirmed the authenticity of the letter, but stressed that it was not “representative of the Department’s position on China.” Earlier this month, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he saw “very provocative behavior by the Chinese armed forces”. But he doubts an invasion is imminent.
US intelligence shares this view
At the same time, many Western observers agree that a war between China and Taiwan is almost certain. The only question is when, according to the American secret service CIA. Philip Davidson, former commander of the US fleet in the Indo-Pacific, considers an invasion by 2027 realistic, the newspaper “Bild” reports online. US President Joe Biden promised the Taiwanese government to send US soldiers to fight against the People’s Liberation Army.
The background to the conflict is that the Chinese regime has regarded the island state as a breakaway province for decades. Taiwan has been an independent state since 1949, but has never declared independence and is only recognized by a few countries. More than 23 million people live in the island state.
A war between China and Taiwan would result in heavy losses for both sides, according to a study. Tensions had recently increased and the Chinese military conducted exercises off the coast of Taiwan on several occasions.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.