US Unready for China War, Trump’s General Nominee Warns

US Military Unprepared for Extended Conflict with China, Warns Trump’s Top General Nominee

April 2, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

The United States is currently ill-equipped to sustain a long-term military conflict with China due to critical vulnerabilities in its defense industrial base, according to Retired Lieutenant General John Daniel Caine, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on April 1, Caine emphasized that strategic competition with China remains one of the most pressing challenges for U.S. national security. In his written testimony, he issued a stark warning about America’s current defense capabilities.

“The threat posed by China to American interests in the Indo-Pacific is real and growing. The US needs to work with allies and partners to deter China’s aggression in this region,” Caine stated.

He expressed concern that the U.S. military lacks the resilience and readiness required for a drawn-out confrontation.

“Unfortunately, at this critical moment, the Joint Force is contending with an acquisition process and defense industrial base that are not optimized for protracted conflict. The US does not have the throughput, responsiveness, or agility needed to deter our adversaries,” he warned.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, Caine pointed to the modernization and expansion of China’s military forces. He noted that Beijing has restructured its military, developed advanced indigenous systems, and currently possesses the world’s largest navy by sheer numbers.

Despite these developments, Caine remarked that the Chinese armed forces continue to face limitations.

“Beijing still has deficiencies in commander proficiency, long-distance logistics, urban warfare, and… modern warfare experience writ large,” he noted.

On the broader geopolitical front, Caine observed emerging but limited coordination between China, Russia, and North Korea. He clarified, however, that these nations are not forming a unified bloc akin to NATO.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have intensified, particularly over Taiwan. While Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated a preference for “peaceful reunification” with the self-ruled island—regarded by Beijing as a breakaway province—he has also refused to renounce the use of force.

In response to growing friction, Chinese officials have repeatedly accused the United States of an obsessive campaign to undermine China’s rise, warning that such actions are self-defeating.