U.S. Prepares for Long War with China – Pacific Could Be Caught in the Crossfire

The United States is preparing for the possibility of a prolonged war with China, according to a new report by Reuters columnist Peter Apps. Military officials and analysts believe a conflict could erupt over Taiwan and escalate to attacks on U.S. bases across the Pacific—and potentially even the American homeland.

The report outlines how the U.S. is investing heavily in military infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, including upgrading missile defense systems in Guam and restoring airfields across remote Pacific islands. There are also plans to improve mainland U.S. defenses in case of cyber or missile strikes.

American military planners are concerned that if China moves to seize Taiwan—something some believe could happen before 2027—the conflict could become global in scale, affecting not only Asia but also U.S. allies and outposts across the Pacific.

For Pacific Island nations like Fiji, these developments could have serious consequences. Increased military activity in the region may lead to diplomatic pressure, economic uncertainty, and new security challenges. Fiji and its neighbors may be forced to take sides or navigate difficult neutrality in a tense geopolitical environment.

As the world’s two biggest powers prepare for potential confrontation, the Pacific region is once again being drawn into the middle of global strategic rivalry.