US General Predicts China Will Be Biggest Rival by 2025

The top US military general believes that China will replace Russia as America's biggest rival in less than 10 years.

China's modern weapons in a parade in July. Photo: Sina.

"If you look ahead to 2025, as well as the population statistics and the economic situation, I think China will become the biggest threat to the United States," Sputnik quoted General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaking on September 26 before the US Senate Armed Services Committee.

General Dunford said Beijing is focused on limiting Washington’s ability to project power and weakening military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. He appeared to be referring to Japan and India, which have been locked in territorial disputes with China in the East China Sea and the Doklam Plateau this year.

"China's leadership is determined to increase military spending in the near future. Beijing's military modernization is aimed at neutralizing Washington's technological advantage," Dunford said. He also called on the US Congress to increase the defense budget by 3 to 7% to maintain its strength against China.

China has opened its first overseas military base, in Djibouti. Beijing is also considering opening more bases in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Africa.

However, General Dunford said that North Korea was the biggest threat to the US in 2017 due to its rapid progress in ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Mr. Dunford also praised Russia's nuclear and electronic warfare capabilities, saying that Moscow is superior to Washington in this field. In addition, the US general affirmed that Russia still far surpasses China in overall military potential.

According to VNE