Former US Defence official Elbridge Colby has issued a stark warning about the potential for a surprise Chinese attack on Taiwan, emphasizing the need for the US military to be strengthened in order to respond effectively to any aggression from China.
In an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun in Washington DC, Colby highlighted the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, stating that an attack by China could happen with little warning. He noted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping may have abandoned the idea of peaceful unification with Taiwan, making the possibility of conflict more likely.
Colby, who served as deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development during the Trump administration, emphasized the importance of bolstering the US military’s capabilities to be able to respond swiftly to any Chinese aggression. He suggested that a cross-strait war could potentially involve not only the US but also its allies in the Asia Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.
While some analysts have raised doubts about China’s ability to launch a surprise attack on Taiwan due to the logistical challenges involved, Colby’s warning underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of escalating tensions in the region.
Colby also recommended that the US shift its focus from Ukraine to Taiwan, recognizing Asia as the primary theater of potential conflict. He stressed the importance of not abandoning Europe but suggested that Europe may be better equipped to handle challenges from Russia compared to the growing threat posed by China in Asia.
The warning from Colby comes amid increasing military drills and aggressive posturing from China towards Taiwan. Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun recently accused external forces of emboldening Taiwan independence separatists and warned against any attempts to separate Taiwan from China.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, Colby’s cautionary words serve as a reminder of the need for strategic planning and readiness to address the evolving security challenges posed by China’s assertive actions in the Asia Pacific.