General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the highest-ranking officer in the US military, has expressed his concern about the possibility of a war with China.
In an interview on Fox News Sunday, General Brown discussed the growing apprehension surrounding a US-China conflict, referencing recent polls conducted by the Reagan Institute, as per Newsweek.
US General Emphasizes Deterrence
According to the polls, 51% of Americans view China as the United States' greatest foreign peril and 74% are worried that a war with China could break out within the next five years. General Brown emphasized the importance of deterrence to prevent such a conflict from occurring, highlighting the recent events in Hong Kong as an example.
"We want to be, and we all should be, worried whether it's going to happen or not," Brown said. "Part of the reason why deterrence is so important is to ensure that conflict does not occur."
General Brown also reassured the public about the readiness and strength of the US military. He stated that the military is prepared for any situation and aims to be so ready that a conflict can be avoided. He stressed the importance of demonstrating strength as a means to maintain peace.
When confronted with a poll showing that a majority of Americans believe China will surpass the US both militarily and economically, General Brown asserted that his role was to ensure that China did not achieve superiority on the military front.
General Brown's warning aligns with earlier concerns expressed by military and security officials regarding the potential for conflict over Taiwan. Admiral Philip Davidson, the former head of US forces in the Indo-Pacific, had predicted that China could take military action against Taiwan by 2027. China has determined that Taiwan is a part of its territory and increased military operations around the island.
Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has recently shared his optimistic views on the potential de-escalation of tensions between the United States and China. Specifically, he expressed hope regarding the situation concerning Taiwan, according to Benzinga.
General Brown Urges Collaboration Amid China Threat
General Brown's statements come as the Reagan Institute poll found that 51% of Americans perceive China as the biggest threat to the US, up from 43% reported last year. Furthermore, the survey showed that the majority of Americans believe that China will surpass the US in both military and economic power within the next decade.
General Brown emphasized the need to accelerate change and collaboration to ensure the military's ability to keep up. He highlighted the importance of working together with entities like Silicon Valley to strengthen national defense and bolster the economy.
Addressing concerns about NATO's readiness and potential involvement in conflicts, General Brown stated that NATO is stronger than ever. He mentioned that the alliance has grown with the inclusion of Finland and Sweden, and the dialogue between NATO partners is focused on preventing the expansion of conflicts into NATO territory.
With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and between Hamas and Israel, Americans have expressed concerns about their impact on US military resources. The poll revealed that 63% of Americans worry that supporting foreign wars is depleting US military assets.
General Brown assured the public that the US has protocols in place to maintain military stockpiles and that decisions are carefully analyzed to ensure the security of both allies and the United States. He emphasized the importance of investing in the defense industrial base to modernize capabilities for future challenges.
As tensions continue to rise between the United States and China, it is clear that the possibility of a conflict is a genuine concern. General Brown's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of deterrence and collaboration in maintaining peace and stability on the global stage, Fox News reported.