How a U.S.-China War Would Unfold

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