U.S. Commander in the Pacific discloses strategy towards China
Get ready for some fireworks! The US army is beefing up its game, forming new elite forces that can strike targets on land, gather intel, and create opportunities for naval and air maneuvers in case of a tussle with China over Taiwan, as revealed by General Ronald Clark, the commander of the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). To sweeten the pot, another such unit is currently in development, he added.
These beefy units will be shielded by some fresh missile systems, including the Typhon, equipped to pounce on enemy ships, aircraft, and ground targets at ranges extending all the way to the Chinese mainland. In 2024, the US sent these powerful systems to the Philippines, prompting a squeaky fit from Beijing. "If it makes them think thrice, if it makes them reconsider any hostile actions towards Taiwan that might lead to a merger, cool beans," Clark said with a grin.
One of China's main advantages is its close proximity to the action, while American soldiers risk reaching the scene a tad late. But fear not, Clark believes this can now be sorted out thanks to some military brainstorming and regional initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation with the US. For instance, the current Balikatan 25 exercises in the South China Sea involve US, Philippine, and Australian troops. Under the instructional scenario, they repelled a hypothetical maritime invasion, with forces camped out along the coastline, firing precision rockets, anti-aircraft guns, portable rocket launchers, rifles, and machine guns at the foe, supported by a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones. The final salvo came from the HIMARS rocket system, launching six practice rockets at sea targets. Cool, huh?
According to Clark, China's actions are bringing the US and its allies closer together "faster than ever". In his words, "having a serious opponent that's potentially preparing for a tussle makes us strengthen our relationships and act faster". He added, "Some of what our opponents do leaves us speechless".
China's simulation of a possible Taiwan blockade is an example of their questionable behavior, which Clark believes makes the situation in the Indo-Pacific region more dangerous.
Taiwan Sets Potential Invasion Date
Taiwan, a thorn in China's side, considers itself an independent nation. Beijing views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory. The US maintains a tense relationship with Taiwan's authorities despite not having diplomatic relations with them. However, a law enacted in 1979 allows the US to supply weapons for Taiwan's defense, causing a wrinkle in relations with China.
During annual military exercises, Taiwan identified 2027 as the possible year for a Chinese army invasion. The previous administration of Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, with President Donald Trump expressing confidence that an invasion would not occur as long as Xi Jinping is in charge, according to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
So, buckle up, folks! It seems we're headed for a rollercoaster ride in the Indo-Pacific.
- General Clark, the USARPAC commander, revealed to The Wall Street Journal that the US is developing new units to respond to potential conflicts over Taiwan, with these units to be equipped with drones and capable of launching attacks, gathering intelligence, and creating opportunities for naval and air maneuvers.
- Clark stated that China's actions, such as its simulation of a possible Taiwan blockade, are making the US and its allies closer and are contributing to a more dangerous situation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Taiwan's military exercises have identified 2027 as a potential invasion date by the Chinese army, with the previous Biden administration expressing similar sentiments.
- The unfolding events in the Indo-Pacific region, including the US readying forces for potential conflicts over Taiwan and Taiwan setting a potential invasion date, indicate a tense and volatile political and war-and-conflicts scenario.


