November 11, 2014
Navy Intel Officer Was Right About China's Prep for "Short, Sharp War" with Japan
Editor’s Note: On Monday, the Navy Times reported that Capt. James Fanell, the director of intelligence and information operations at U.S. Pacific Fleet, had been removed from that position by PACFLT boss Adm. Harry Harris and reassigned within the command. Fanell’s unusually frank warning in February that China was preparing for a “short, sharp war” with Japan clashed with Pentagon talking points that have emphasized a cooperative military relationship with Beijing. His removal provoked accusations he had been sidelined for expressing controversial views. The following article, which assesses Fanell’s warning, was published earlier this year by the U.S. Naval Institute, and is reprinted here with permission.
Much has been made in past weeks about remarks made by Captain James Fanell, the director of Intelligence and Information Operations for the Pacific Fleet at the recently held West 2014 symposium in San Diego, Calif.
His presentation included the assessment that China’s navy (the PLAN) had broadened its operational role beyond simply carrying out a “Taiwan counter-intervention” strategy to now include training and preparations to conduct a “short, sharp war” with Japan over disputed territory in the East China Sea. A minor furor ensued, and Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby ultimately sought to dissociate himself from Fanell’s plainspoken assessment. [More:
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