Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the head of Naval Operations, has urged the United States to prepare for a potential direct confrontation with China, projecting that such a conflict could occur as early as 2027.
Increasing Feards
This assertion comes amid growing concerns over China's rapid economic and military advancements, alongside increasing fears of a possible violent invasion of Taiwan by Beijing.
Franchetti outlined a military strategy aimed at managing the relationship with China, emphasizing the need to prioritize U.S. readiness for conflict.
“The primary motivation for this plan is to enhance our preparedness for a potential conflict with the People’s Republic of China by 2027,” she stated, as reported by Business Insider and Ziare.
Focus on China
While acknowledging other adversaries, such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, Franchetti stressed that the primary focus must remain on China.
She indicated that the Navy will be better equipped for sustained combat operations by the target year, highlighting the importance of prioritizing China as a significant challenge.
This strategic shift reflects the growing urgency within U.S. defense circles regarding the implications of China’s military expansion and assertive policies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The American military's proactive approach aims to bolster naval capabilities and enhance cooperative efforts within a broader combat ecosystem.