Recent changes in U.S. military strategy indicate a notable pivot towards readiness for possible confrontation with China, a country identified as the most significant challenge to American global supremacy at present. The advancements of China’s military, especially within the Indo-Pacific area, pose a significant and continuously changing threat to the United States and its allied nations.US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall raises Concerns.
In the last fifteen years, China has massively advanced its military strength. During the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Air force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighted the extensive military maneuvers conducted by Beijing, which seem to be aimed at preparing for a possible blockade or invasion of Taiwan. Although these exercises are not overtly aggressive, they are interpreted as strategic preparations that indicate an increasing probability of conflict between China and the United States.
Furthermore, statements from U.S. defense officials reflect an escalating apprehension regarding China’s potential for assertive actions in the Western Pacific, thereby questioning the U.S. military’s capacity to maintain its influence in that area.
China has systematically restructured and enhanced its military capabilities in anticipation of what is referred to as “great power competition,” a concept articulated by Frank Kendall and others to characterize the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. This shift marks a departure from the traditional post-9/11 emphasis on counterterrorism, recognizing that future conflicts are more likely to emerge from powerful, technologically sophisticated nation-states rather than extremist organizations.
Notably, China’s establishment of a Rocket Force, which is adept at targeting critical U.S. military installations such as aircraft carriers and forward airbases, alongside its Strategic Support Force aimed at achieving superiority in both space and cyberspace, represents significant concerns for U.S. military strategists.
Is Taiwan a Flash Point?
The Taiwan issue contributes significantly to the growing tension between the United States and China. Frank Kendall stressed that the similarities between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and possible Chinese incursions into Taiwan are striking and cannot be ignored. The response of the international community to the situation in Ukraine has underscored the critical nature of strategic partnerships and preparedness, as well as a reminder of the difficulties involved in preventing aggressive State behavior. As China continues to increase its military presence and assert its influence over Taiwan, US military leaders expressed concern over the gradually growing probability of a conflict in the region.
During the conference, Frank Kendall presented a “thought experiment” urging attendees to consider the growing possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which paralleled a global underestimation of Russia’s intentions prior to its attack on Ukraine. The message is clear: if the United States fails to adequately prepare for the possibility of Chinese aggression, it risks becoming embroiled in a catastrophic conflict that will not only affect Taiwan but also have profound implications for global security.
“I am not saying war in the Pacific is imminent or inevitable. It is not, But I am saying that the likelihood is increasing and will continue to do so.”
Frank Kendall, US Air Force Secretary
The U.S. Response: Strategic Readiness
In light of the growing threat posed by China, Frank Kendall has developed a set of “Operational Imperatives” designed to modernize the U.S. Air Force and Space Force to effectively address these emerging challenges. These imperatives emphasize the need for increased power projection capabilities, improved readiness, and for U.S. forces to be prepared to respond swiftly to any act of aggression from China.
A central aspect of these initiatives is the acknowledgement that the U.S. must evolve to engage in a new type of warfare, defined by sophisticated cyber operations, conflicts in space, and precision-guided missile engagement. Conventional military assets, such as bases and aircraft carriers, may be particularly susceptible in confrontations with China, especially in light of Beijing’s significant investment in technologies aimed at targeting these critical platforms. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on unconventional warfare strategies, including cyber warfare
Frank Kendall’s broad message is clear: While conflict is not predetermined, America must be vigilant and prepared. The effectiveness of deterrence is contingent on readiness, and should deterrence falter, the US must have the ability to succeed in the event of a complex, multi-domain conflict. This perspective is echoed throughout the military establishment, which is currently engaged in a thorough re-evaluation of its organizational structure, training protocols and equipment strategies in anticipation of a possible confrontation with China.
A Race Against Time
The importance of these initiatives is paramount. As highlighted by Kendall, the United States has not yet fully adapted to the formidable power competition generated by China. Although progress has been made in modernizing both the Air Force and the Space Force, considerable efforts are necessary. Moreover, the urgency of the situation is increasing. With China constantly increasing its military capabilities, it is imperative for the US and its allies to accelerate their initiatives to avoid the probable confrontation.
To prevent conflict, we must be ready; and to prevail in conflict, we must be ready. – Frank Kendall, USAF Secretary
The growing threat from China is an urgent issue for the US military leadership. Through its ongoing military development and strategic actions in the Indo-Pacific region, China is positioning itself as a formidable power that could potentially undermine US global dominance.
The United States must take decisive action by modernizing its military forces, enhancing operational readiness, and ensuring its ability to counter any hostile actions from Beijing. While the conflict is not predetermined, the opportunity to adequately prepare for such an event is diminishing, prompting US officials like Frank Kendall to raise alarms, before a crisis unfolds.