US Air Force secretary warns of rising conflict risks with China

The likelihood of an armed conflict between China, the US, and its allies in the Pacific Ocean region is increasing.

US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall made the warning during his speech at the US Air Force and Space Forces Association convention, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“I mean, the likelihood of that [conflict] is increasing and will continue to increase,” Kendall said, though he stopped short of calling it inevitable. He placed the responsibility for potential escalation squarely on China, alleging that the Chinese authorities are investing heavily to diminish US and allied power in the Western Pacific. Kendall noted that China is deploying weapons aimed at US air bases and aircraft carriers, which is prompting the US to continue its large-scale modernization of the Air Force and Space Force.

His remarks go in contracts with those of, Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in the US, who affirmed that China remains committed to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, asserting, “China does not pose a threat to any country.”