In a recent interview, Robert O'Brien, former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, shared his insights on how the US could prevent a potential conflict with China.

During his appearance on CBS News’ “Face The Nation,” O'Brien highlighted a military strategy to deter China from aggressive actions, particularly against Taiwan.

According to Daily Wire, Robert O’Brien discussed the urgent need for the U.S. to adapt its foreign military strategy regarding China in a Sunday broadcast with Margaret Brennan. The broadcast touched on various aspects of national security and defense.

O'Brien articulated the principle of "strategic ambiguity," a policy framework that does not explicitly outline U.S. responses to potential Chinese military actions but emphasizes strength as a deterrent. “It’s called strategic ambiguity,” O’Brien explained.

He continued, stating the core of this approach revolves around deterring, not merely preparing for war. “But the key thing is peace through strength," he added.

Shifting Military Assets to the Asia-Pacific

O’Brien suggested significant strategic moves, including reallocating U.S. military resources from Europe to the Asia-Pacific. He underscored the importance of positioning U.S. naval and marine forces more prominently in regions like Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Australia.

According to O’Brien, enhancing the U.S. Navy and advocating for a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific are crucial steps. He posited that a relocated U.S. carrier strike group could be a formidable deterrent to potential Chinese aggression.

“The key is to deter war, not to fight and win a war, which we need to do if it happens,” he elaborated. “But we need to deter the Chinese and the Communist Party from invading Taiwan in the first place,” he emphasized, citing the U.S.'s failure to deter Russia in Ukraine as a cautionary tale.

Increasing U.S. Military and Energy Production

The conversation also covered the importance of strengthening the U.S. military infrastructure and energy production capabilities.

O'Brien pointed out the need for the U.S. to bolster its naval fleet and increase ship production to maintain its global maritime superiority.

“We need to increase our energy production,” he stated, stressing this as a component essential for sustaining and expanding military capabilities. The former adviser’s recommendations also included a push for more robust U.S. energy policies to support these strategic military shifts.

"Rebuild our military, rebuild our Navy, get our shipyards producing ships again," O'Brien urged, indicating a comprehensive strategy for enhancing national security.

O'Brien’s Strategic Vision for International Peace

In his interview, O’Brien articulated a clear vision for the United States in maintaining global peace and security through a position of strength.

His approach advocates for a balance between readiness for conflict and strategic initiatives to prevent war through a display of power and preparedness.

He clarified that while readiness to respond to aggression is crucial, the primary goal remains to prevent such conflicts from arising. According to O'Brien, this strategic balance is necessary for enduring international peace.

O'Brien's insights reflect his extensive experience in national security and his deep understanding of the United States' geopolitical challenges today.

Conclusion

Robert O’Brien’s “Face The Nation” discussion outlined a proactive strategy to prevent a potential war with China through military deterrence. O'Brien emphasized the importance of U.S. military strength and strategic asset placement, particularly in response to potential threats to Taiwan.

Prioritizing increased production of U.S. military and energy capacities, alongside repositioning naval forces, completes his vision of “peace through strength” to maintain both U.S. and global security.