A senior US military general has warned that China is no longer just a "close rival", but now a military power equal to the United States, The War Zone reports.
Stephen Sklenka, deputy commandant for installations and logistics in the US Marine Corps, stated that the threat from China is greater than any other.
"There is no greater threat. They are no longer a 'close rival' – they are an equal rival in almost every indicator of national power," he told TWZ.
According to him, in the event of a clash, a conflict with China would be much more severe than the current war with Iran, reflecting Beijing's economic and military power.
The general stressed that China, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, aims to replace the United States as a global leader and is building a military capacity designed for dominance, especially in the Pacific region.
He noted that China's industrial capabilities have surpassed those of the United States in the production of ships, steel, ammunition and advanced technologies, while nuclear submarine and missile programs are rapidly expanding.
"China produces more than us in many fields. Shipbuilding is reported to be hundreds of times greater," he stressed.
At the same time, Sklenka warned that US military bases can no longer be considered safe zones, emphasizing that they are now direct targets in any modern conflict.
According to him, threats will not only come from traditional attacks, but also from cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and the use of drones, which can paralyze operations in the early stages of a war.
"The first attack may not be a missile. It could be a cyberattack on the power grid or a drone strike," he warned.
The general called for urgent investments in protecting military infrastructure, including anti-drone systems, robust communications networks, and fortified base defenses.
According to him, in future conflicts, the US military will not only fight from its bases, but also defend them.