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.
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