In a striking address last month, the commander of Edwards Air Force Base in California sounded the alarm about the potential for a military strike reminiscent of Pearl Harbor, urging local leaders to gear up for the unexpected.
Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert’s briefing on May 7 was marked by a “sobering assessment of China’s escalating military capabilities,” as reported by the Air Force. Speaking at Antelope Valley College, he laid out concerns that resonate far beyond the Mojave Desert, where Edwards is situated about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Wickert drew parallels to the infamous 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, emphasizing the need for vigilance in light of warnings about the base’s vulnerabilities, a conversation that is seldom broached regarding U.S. military installations.
Such candid discussions about the implications of a potential conflict with China over Taiwan are rare, yet they appear to be gaining traction within military circles.
Wickert’s remarks seem to carry the full weight of the Department of Defense, indicating a shift in how such threats are being addressed publicly.
“With Taiwan’s presidential elections in 2024 and the U.S. elections creating distractions, the stage is set for Xi,” Minihan warned, illuminating the precarious geopolitical landscape.
Despite the urgency of Minihan’s message, the Department of Defense distanced itself from his predictions at the time, stating that such views did not reflect the department’s stance on China.
A Wake-Up Call for Community Leaders
Wickert’s audience included local community leaders, critical infrastructure managers, and congressional representatives, highlighting the multifaceted nature of national security.
Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) set the tone for the briefing, stressing the importance of keeping military installations fully operational amidst potential crises, including military confrontations with adversaries.
Drawing comparisons between Edwards and its Chinese counterpart, Wickert presented alarming intelligence on the rapid modernization and “staggering” growth of the Chinese military. He showcased Google Earth imagery to illustrate the Dingxin Test and Training Base in China, which mirrors Edwards in its function.
“They even have a full-scale replica of Taiwan’s Taichung International Airport,” Wickert noted, leaving little room for interpretation about China’s intentions.
He referenced Xi’s directive to the Chinese military to prepare for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027, connecting these global tensions back to local implications for the Antelope Valley, which plays a pivotal role in U.S. defense technology and strategy, particularly with the B-21 Raider production at Northrop Grumman.
Nearby, General Atomics operates the Grey Butte Field Airport, a facility integral to drone technology and operations.
“If I were Chairman Xi and it was time to act, what would I target first?” Wickert provocatively asked, alluding to the potential threats posed to Edwards and surrounding installations in the event of conflict over Taiwan.
Critical Infrastructure Attacks
Wickert emphasized that any military engagement would likely start with attacks on critical infrastructure through cyber means.
U.S. military bases rely heavily on local communities for essential services—power, water, and communication networks. As Wickert pointed out, the effectiveness of military operations hinges on robust partnerships with these local entities, which is why their involvement in the briefing was vital.
The Department of Defense is increasingly aware of cyber threats, as evidenced by the recent identification of “Volt Typhoon,” a China-linked espionage campaign. This concern dovetails with the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act’s Section 1088, which mandates a national tabletop exercise to assess the resilience of domestic infrastructure vital for a military response involving Taiwan.
During a recent combat readiness drill at Edwards, Wickert noted, local emergency managers participated in simulations that tested responses to attacks on regional power grids and communication systems.
Preventing War With China
Wickert argued that military readiness is just one piece of the puzzle in deterring conflict with China.
“The more prepared we are, the more we can alter Chairman Xi’s calculations,” he stated, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that employs all facets of U.S. national power—economic, financial, diplomatic, and military—to influence global dynamics.
“Ultimately, the goal is to win the next war by preventing it altogether,” Wickert concluded, framing the U.S.-China rivalry as a contest for economic supremacy and the dominance of the world reserve currency.
The ongoing Salt Typhoon cyberattacks from China aim to undermine U.S. support for Taiwan, a strategy revealed in unprecedented high-level cyber discussions held in Geneva between U.S. and Chinese officials in December 2024.
