US Unprepared for Prolonged War with China Over Taiwan Amid Depleted Stockpiles

Experts warn that the United States is ill-prepared for a prolonged conflict with China over Taiwan, citing significant deficiencies in military readiness. Recent engagements, specifically Operation Epic Fury against Iran, have depleted critical stockpiles of long-range missiles like Tomahawk and JASSM, as well as air defense interceptors such as Patriot and THAAD. With production timelines spanning several years, rapid replenishment is impossible. Conversely, China’s defense industry is operating at war footing, mass-producing advanced weaponry across land, air, sea, and cyber domains. US bases in Japan, Guam, and the Philippines remain highly vulnerable to Chinese attacks within the first and second island chains. To counter this, the US Indo-Pacific Command proposed the Hellscape plan, utilizing thousands of drones and unmanned vehicles to disrupt Chinese advances. However, the US currently lacks sufficient underwater capabilities, affordable drones, and long-range missiles. Analysts urge the Pentagon and Congress to implement multi-year contracts, harden bases, and accelerate weapons deliveries to Taiwan. Without immediate industrial mobilization, the US risks severe strategic disadvantages in a potential two-front conflict involving the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.