Concerns are growing inside the U.S. government and military circles that Chinese forces could launch a surprise attack on U.S. bases in the Pacific or even on the mainland. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) has been among the most vocal officials warning that the threat is real and growing.
During a recent interview, Cotton said that China’s repeated air and sea operations near Taiwan serve two purposes: to intimidate, and to rehearse. He believes the Chinese Communist Party may be planning a sudden military move, and that the U.S. needs to be ready.
Will Guam Be America’s Next Pearl Harbor?
Donald Trump’s neocolonial foreign policy could invite a surprise Chinese attack on an underprepared American island in the South Pacific.https://t.co/uMUsbwz0xL
— That is China (@That_isChina) March 24, 2025
Cotton said these aggressive maneuvers put enormous pressure on Taiwan and Japan, forcing them to constantly respond to potential threats. Over time, this weakens readiness and could open the door for China to launch an invasion with little warning.
Former military officers have echoed those concerns, especially about the vulnerability of U.S. bases. Lt. Col. Thomas McCabe has outlined how China could use unconventional tactics — including missiles disguised in shipping containers and drone attacks — to strike deep into American territory.
McCabe wrote that U.S. installations in Hawaii and even bases on the West Coast could be vulnerable. He highlighted China’s massive commercial shipping fleet as a possible launch platform for missiles, drones or other weapon systems aimed at weakening American defenses before a broader conflict erupts.
He also warned about the potential use of swarms of small drones, which could be launched from sea or land to damage airstrips, ships or critical infrastructure. These low-cost, high-impact weapons have already proven effective in other modern conflicts.
Cotton pointed out that while China is already unpopular among most Americans, the full extent of its threat has not been grasped. He said it’s not just about trade or politics — it’s about national security and protecting Americans at home.
McCabe compared the situation to early warnings before the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. In that case, military leaders failed to act on alerts. He said the U.S. cannot afford to repeat the same mistake.
