US Prepares for Possible War with China

The United States is ramping up preparations for a potential military conflict with China, which it now views as a significant threat to national security. Speaking at Edwards Air Force Base in California on May 19, 2025, US Air Force General Doug Wickert indicated that the Pentagon is actively preparing for what he described as a “protracted war” with Beijing, with Taiwan emerging as a central flashpoint.

Wickert emphasized that any future conflict with China could extend beyond traditional military engagements, potentially involving large-scale cyberattacks. “We can’t rely on tanks and missiles alone. A cyber attack could cripple our infrastructure, from power grids to financial systems,” he warned.

In response to these growing concerns, the Pentagon has increased its cybersecurity budget to $13.5 billion by 2025 and is conducting exercises to simulate cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, according to Defense News.

Taiwan remains a pivotal area of tension, as China views the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of reunification by force. in March 2025, China conducted its largest naval exercises in a decade near Taiwan, involving 125 ships, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning. In reaction, the United States and its allies, including Japan and Australia, have bolstered their military presence in the region. Notably, in April 2025, the US deployed a strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the South China Sea, prompting protests from Beijing.

This heightened military readiness is not a new phenomenon. In 2023, US Air Force General Mike Minihan warned of a possible conflict with China by 2025, citing the nation’s expanding military capabilities. Additionally, in March 2025, Pentagon Secretary Lloyd Austin remarked that the US is prepared for any scenario, including military action, should Beijing take aggressive steps.