How land power could help US forces counter China in the Indo-Pacific
Quick Look
General Ron Clark, commander of US Army Pacific, warned at the Association of the United States Army's annual meeting that the 'tyranny of distance' complicates reliance on air and naval forces amid growing concerns that China's advanced military could restrict US operations in the region, increasing the need for land-based support.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
US military planners are increasingly concerned about China's growing air and naval capabilities in the Pacific region, which could challenge American forces' ability to operate freely and necessitate greater reliance on land-based military support.
General Ron Clark, commander of US Army Pacific, said the “tyranny of distance” made it difficult to rely on air and naval forces during a panel discussion at the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting this week.
The comments reflect mounting concerns among US commanders that China’s increasingly sophisticated air and naval forces could stop American forces operating freely in the region, leaving them in greater need of land-based support.
Clark commands more than 107,000 soldiers deployed in US Pacific territories and in allies such as South Korea and Japan, with rotational deployments in the Philippines.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
US Army Pacific will increase focus on land-based force capabilities in the region
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific land-based capabilities is US Army Pacific planning to enhance?
- How are US allies in the region responding to these strategic concerns?
- What timeline does China's military modernization follow according to US assessments?
