A U.S.-China war over Taiwan would be catastrophic for all sides and the world. Preventing such a war requires understanding how it might unfold—from start to finish—including worst-case scenarios.
How much warning would there be? Where might China strike first? Which countries join the fight? Can Taiwan defend its coasts? Would nuclear threats determine the outcome?
Charles Hooper is a retired U.S. general who served as one of the Pentagon’s top China strategists and spent years living in the country. He joined Jon Bateman on The World Unpacked to give a step-by-step scenario for the war that no one wants.
Find the episode transcript, and get the show direct to your inbox, here: https://carnegieendowment.org/podcasts/the-world-unpacked/how-a-us-china-war-would-unfold
Host:
Follow Jon on X: https://x.com/JonKBateman
Guest:
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Charles “Hoop” Hooper: https://x.com/LTG_CHooper
00:00 Introduction
01:42 Understanding China Through Military Engagement
09:54 How a Taiwan Conflict Could Begin
20:27 U.S. and Allied Responses
35:04 Global Economic Impact
39:03 Taiwan's Defense Prospects
47:14 Nuclear Escalation Risks
52:28 Avoiding Conflict and Looking Ahead
