Admiral James G. Stavridis during his military career commanded, among others USS Enterprise, the world's largest combat group of aircraft carriers, and advised the former US secretary to Donald Rumsfeld. For four years, Stavridis was also the chief commander of NATO, and is currently the vice president of the Carlyle investment company. In an interview with Die Welt, he told, among others About Vladimir Putin's goals and weaknesses, as well as how Europe should behave in the face of Russian threats, which you can read about in the first part of this conversation.
Retired admiral of the American Navy James G. Stavridis during a security conference in Munich, Germany, February 16, 2018.Mueller / MSC / Wiki Commons
In the second, Admiral answered, among others, questions about the outbreak of potential conflicts in other parts of the world, primarily in Taiwan, to which China is constantly claiming rights. Admiral himself as places where “a spark is enough for the outbreak of the fire”, he mentioned countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Congo, Israel and Iran. However, this “potential of true confrontation” of the USA with Venezuela disturbs him the most.
Let's put ourselves in the situation of President XI (Jinping, the leader of China). He must ask himself whether Taiwanese will fight to the very end, just like Ukrainians. He must ask himself whether the West will support them with intelligence with intelligence. He must also look at the situation in which his “best friend forever”, Vladimir Putin, in connection with Ukraine – is not a very attractive picture.
Let's not forget that President XI has never been to Taiwan. And I was. I know the armed forces there well. I know the leaders there well. I believe they will fight like lions. And believe me, under the surface of Taiwan there are hundreds of kilometers of tunnels intended for fighting. Do you think Hamas has a tunnel network? Compared to what is under Taiwan, it looks like a playground for children. The whole island is a dream for resistance fighters, there are mountains and forests. Taiwanese can therefore fight for a long time.
The second uncertainty for the XI is the lack of experience of his armed forces. They look good during the parades. But from time immemorial, they have not fired a single shot in a crisis. Third uncertainty: he doesn't know what the sanctions will look like. And what will happen to the chip industry? What will happen to the factories? Believe me, Taiwan will not say: “Oh God, you conquered us, here are the keys to the factory.” This factory will never work again. So this is a fight in the head XI. I think he will not attack until Taiwanese announce independence. And I don't think they have such an intention.
Silicon tile exhibited during the Semicon Taiwan 2025 fair in Taipei in Taiwan, September 11, 2025. Taiwan belongs to the leading producers of integrated circuits in the worldRitchie B. Tongo / PAP
Welt: Let's assume that Taiwan announces independence. What would this invasion look like?
It would be very difficult for China. It's 100 miles [161 km] open sea. I was flowing through the Taiwan Strait countless times. The waters are upset there. Transporting the invasive fleet through these waters to the beaches, and then subordinating Taiwanese is a huge military challenge. If the United States decided to help, submarines would be the most effective. Then you could see how Chinese war ships are flooded one by one. I don't think China has many appropriate resources to oppose.
Welt: What else could XI do?
He could block Taiwan and conduct cyberrataki. He could apply a hybrid war, in particular propaganda, to take control of the democratic process. I think the situation will go in this direction.
Welt: Will there be further regional wars in the world?
Yes. Despite the claims of President Trump that he has completed all these regional conflicts, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Congo, Israel and Iran are not close to solutions. These are all smoldering forest fires that can explode from one spark.
Welt: What regional conflicts can break out as the next?
I observe above all Venezuela. The potential of a real confrontation between the United States and Venezuela is born before our eyes.
Continued article under video material
Welt: Are you afraid that the use of the American army can be abused in the United States?
Yes. Please think about the current US troops in American cities. Basically, they perform police functions. We saw how secretary of defense Pete HegeSth convened a meeting of 800 of our highest -ranking commanders. He talked mainly about such issues as a warrior ethos and care standards. It was a vague message. Then President Trump got up and spoke directly about the use of American troops to – as he put it – bringing order on the streets of our cities.
This is problematic. Most of the 800 high -ranking officers did not clap, did not bounce or cheer, did not swore faithfulness – they sat with stone faces and left when everything ended. So yes, I'm concerned. The oath is made by every member of the US armed forces is very simple. It sounds: support and defend the constitution of the United States. It does not consist of its president, commander -in -chief or secretary of defense. I trust that in moments of a real crisis the American army will ultimately do the right thing. Will observe the constitution.
Welt: Will Trump apply for the third term [na stanowisku prezydenta USA]?
I think there is a little chance, say five or 10 percent, that he will decide to look for a road to the third term. Trump is 79 years old, in time [kolejnych] The election would be 82 years old. He has many other business interests. He likes to play golf. I don't think he is really motivated [do trzeciej kadencji]. I think he will say: “It will be better if I don't run again, but I will have a great influence through the magician movement and the election of the next president and vice president.” I consider it a much more likely scenario than the constitutional crisis. However, if it comes to it, in my opinion the constitution will win.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
