World War III could start suddenly, military expert warns of key trigger
War (Photo: Getty Images)
Retired British Army Colonel Philip Ingram stated that the future actions of China’s leader Xi Jinping could become decisive for global security and influence the risk of the outbreak of a world war, reports Channel 24.
Risk of a global conflict
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Europe, the threat of expanding conflicts remains.
According to the expert, if destabilization in Southeast Asia is added to these processes, the world could face a large-scale war on a global level.
Role of China and Taiwan
Ingram noted that a key factor remains Xi Jinping's actions in the region, primarily in the waters of the South China Sea and the East China Sea, as well as around Taiwan. According to him, this direction could become decisive in the near future.
Economic and military calculations
The expert believes that the Chinese leadership will seek to use the current situation to strengthen its position and overtake the US economically, taking into account Washington’s financial burden due to the war against Iran.
At the same time, Beijing will likely continue to expand its influence in the region mainly through diplomatic means.
Possible military scenario
At the same time, Ingram допускає (considers it possible) that China may carry out the threat of a forceful takeover of Taiwan. He emphasized that such a decision could be made at a time when the US is politically, economically, and militarily weakened, thereby limiting its ability to respond.
Dangerous window of opportunity
According to the expert, the Chinese leader may have a temporary window for such actions, and the situation's development must be closely monitored.
In the event of a military invasion, it would trigger a large-scale escalation and effectively mark the beginning of a world war.
On the front, the former head of one of the Security Service of Ukraine departments, Volodymyr Lyapkin, who, after the Maidan events, switched to Russia's side and was later involved in repressive actions in the occupied part of the Kherson region, has been eliminated.
During the operation against Iran, the US expended a significant portion of its stockpiles of low-observable JASSM-ER cruise missiles, while their replenishment could take years due to limited production rates.
