China’s military powers are wake-up call for United States, retired US admiral says
- The American public needs to know that now is the time to do something about China’s strengthening position, William McRaven says
- Council on Foreign Relations report says Asian rival’s abilities are approaching – and surpassing – those of the US
William McRaven told an event staged by the Council on Foreign Relations think tank on Wednesday that China’s powers were quickly approaching – and sometimes surpassing – those of the US.
“We need to make sure that the American public knows that now is the time to do something,” McRaven said, adding that China’s rapidly increasing research and development in technology posed a threat to US national security.
McRaven’s address came as the council released a report saying China was emerging as the most significant rival to the US, and in areas such as the commercialisation of fifth-generation (5G) communications, had surpassed it.
The report said China could convert technological advances into “military capabilities faster than its potential adversaries”.