China No Longer A 'Near Peer', But Equal Rival In Every Domain, Says Top US General

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 19:51 IST

General Stephen Sklenka said his experience studying Chinese strategy had shaped his view of modern warfare.

A senior US Marine Corps commander has issued a stark warning on China’s growing global power, saying it should no longer be called as a “near peer" but as an equal rival to the United States across nearly every domain.

Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, who oversees logistics and installations for the US Marine Corps, made the remarks at the 2026 Modern Day Marine Expo in Washington, where he underlined the scale of the challenge posed by Beijing.

“There is no threat that looms larger than the People’s Republic of China," Sklenka said. “Don’t listen to this garbage about them being a near peer. They’re a peer because they rival us in nearly every single measure of national influence."

ALSO READ: Did Iran Use Chinese Spy Satellite To Track US Bases During War? Here’s What China Has To Say

Sklenka, a former Deputy Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), said his experience studying Chinese strategy had shaped his view of modern warfare. He added that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambitions appeared focused on reshaping the global order, The War Zone reported.

“[China’s] vision is to upend the international structure [and] supplant us as the global leaders," he said, arguing that Beijing is not seeking shared leadership but dominance.

He noted that China’s rapid industrial and military expansion has already shifted the balance of global capability, particularly in manufacturing strength and regional influence.

“In many ways, it’s been Xi’s thinking, his vision, that has helped my own thinking about the demands of modern warfare, particularly when waged in the Pacific and particularly waged against a peer adversary, something that’s new to all of us," he noted.

News world China No Longer A 'Near Peer', But Equal Rival In Every Domain, Says Top US General

Read More