Controversy Over U.S. High-Ranking Official's Statement on "War with China Within 2 Years"

On the 13th, at the Mugun-ri training ground in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, a US military Stryker armored vehicle is conducting mobility training during the Amitiger demonstration brigade joint exercise. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] A senior U.S. Air Force officer sparked controversy by warning troops that the United States and China could go to war within two years.

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 27th (local time) that General Michael A. Minihan, who leads the U.S. Air Mobility Command, urged troops in a memo to quickly prepare for a potential conflict between the U.S. and China, stating that the U.S. might fail to detect Chinese President Xi Jinping's war ambitions.

General Minihan said, "I hope I am wrong," but added, "My gut feeling is that we will fight in 2025."

He cited the timing of elections in the U.S. and Taiwan as reasons. General Minihan said, "President Xi secured his third term and established a war-related advisory committee last October," adding, "The Taiwanese presidential election is in 2024, which could provide President Xi with a reason for (war)."

He further noted that the 2024 U.S. presidential election would distract American attention, and that the reasons and opportunities for war could align in 2025.

He demanded that thousands of troops under his command prepare for war by considering various scenarios, especially emphasizing active participation in training.

As the memo spread through social networking services (SNS) and sparked controversy, an Air Force spokesperson stepped in to calm the situation with a statement.

Patrick Ryder, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said on the same day, "China is a challenge that the Department of Defense is pursuing," and added, "U.S. officials are working with allies and partners to preserve a peaceful, free, and open Indo-Pacific region."