WORLD AT FIVE

War of nerves for US as China displays growing military might

Stunning technological advances in weaponry have generals in the Pentagon wondering how Beijing will use its increasingly threatening armed forces, writes Michael Evans

On land, sea and in the skies, China’s armed forces are rapidly gathering strength to match US military capabilities
On land, sea and in the skies, China’s armed forces are rapidly gathering strength to match US military capabilities
JASON LEE/REUTERS
Michael Evans
The Times

Anti-ship missile firings at a US supercarrier mock-up in the desert, a hypersonic weapon flight around the Earth, military preparations to invade Taiwan – all apparent signs of an increasingly belligerent China rehearsing for war.

One of America’s most senior military officers added to concerns this week by warning that China could one day launch a surprise nuclear attack on the United States.

This conclusion by General John Hyten, outgoing vice-chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, is just the latest warning about China’s possible intentions as it builds a conventional and nuclear force to match America’s superpower military capabilities.

Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army on military training in the Pamir Mountains in Kashgar, in northwestern China's Xinjiang region
Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army on military training in the Pamir Mountains in Kashgar, in northwestern China's Xinjiang region
STR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Hyten spent three years as commander of US Strategic Command, in charge of America’s nuclear weapons. He is steeped in Armageddon scenarios.

His voice