The Ukraine crisis may provide China with a window of opportunity to do something provocative in Asia while Western powers concentrate on defusing tensions with Russia, an American general warned on Wednesday.
US Pacific Air Forces Chief General Kenneth Wilsbach expressed concerns over the alliance between China and Russia during the crisis, raising questions about own intentions in Asia.
“From the standpoint of will China see what’s happening in Europe and try to do something here in the Indo-Pacific absolutely yes, that’s a concern. I do have my concerns that they would want to take advantage,” Gen Wilsbach said.
In addition, he stated that when Beijing expressed support for Russia in the Ukraine standoff, he held discussions with his staff and other “entities” in the region about its implications. He added that when China looks at crises, it considers whether this is an opportunity for gain.
