Focus on Israel-Gaza war raises fears of China attack on Taiwan

Editor’s Note: This piece by Bill Gertz features quotes from CSP Senior Fellow, Grant Newsham.

The emergence of a second conflict outside the Asia-Pacific region is fueling new concerns China will exploit the distraction of the West to launch an anticipated military operation against Taiwan, according to two congressional leaders and security analysts.

Tensions remain high across the Taiwan Strait. China has vowed to take over the democratic-ruled island in the coming years.

Several members of Congress had already voiced worries that U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine are depleting weapons stockpiles needed to deter China from a Taiwan attack, an attack that U.S. military commanders say China could be ready to undertake in as little as four years.

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Grant Newsham, a retired Marine Corps colonel involved in intelligence work with extensive experience in Asia, said China must like what it sees from the Israel–Gaza conflict.

U.S. support for the Ukraine war is a drain on U.S. military resources. Now a conflict involving Israel and Hamas, and perhaps Hezbollah and Iran, will further strain weapons and focus, he said.

“This drains off U.S. military resources and attention big-time,” said Mr. Newsham, author of the book “When China Attacks.”

The new Middle East conflict will complicate efforts by the Pentagon to bolster U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region despite U.S. military commanders asking the Pentagon to move faster in strengthening the force posture there, he said.

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