Brian Costello, geopolitical analyst, warns that China is engaging in “unrestricted warfare” with the U.S., shifting from economic strategies to preparing for military action, particularly regarding Taiwan. He predicts China may move within six months, capitalizing on its leverage over key global supply chains while navigating internal crises.
China’s Shift to Military Preparedness
Costello emphasizes that China has shifted from economic policy to a more militarized stance under President Xi Jinping. "Xi is preparing his country for kinetic war to take Taiwan,” Costello explains. He points out that Xi’s leadership changes replaced economic experts with military officials, signaling that China is preparing for conflict, not only in Taiwan but on a broader global scale. This shift has been underpinned by a Marxist-Leninist ideology, indicating that China is looking inward and focusing on consolidating power.
China’s Economic Influence Fuels Global Conflicts
China’s economic success is funding terrorism and undermining U.S. interests worldwide, according to Costello. “They’re buying 80 to 85% of Iran’s oil, supporting terrorism, and we know Chinese engineering equipment was found in Hamas tunnels,” he adds. He also highlights China’s partnership with Russia, pointing to a manifesto released just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that solidified their "unlimited partnership.” These economic alliances, Costello argues, allow China to disrupt global stability while keeping the U.S. stretched thin.
Taiwan and the Semiconductor Battle
Costello warns that control over Taiwan is critical to China’s strategy. He explains that nine of the top twelve global companies rely on technology from Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, and China’s dominance over that sector would give it tremendous leverage. “If China controls Taiwan’s semiconductors, it controls the future of global tech,” Costello asserts. This stranglehold would directly impact industries reliant on advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, potentially crippling U.S. innovation.
Internal Cracks in China’s Economy and Society
While China appears outwardly aggressive, Costello notes that it also faces significant internal challenges. “The capital flows are down significantly, the job creation is stagnant, and regional debt is ballooning to $15 trillion,” he says. China’s demographics and war on its innovative elite have also led to a faltering economy. Despite this, China’s surveillance technology, including the widespread use of video cameras and digital IDs, allows the regime to maintain tight control over its population.
A Race Against Time
Costello concludes by warning that both the U.S. and China are in a "six-month race.” He believes that China is gearing up for a blockade of Taiwan, and the U.S. must be prepared for a geopolitical clash. However, China may still delay its aggression, allowing further Western investment in critical industries before pulling the trigger. "They’re willing to forego trillions of dollars for Taiwan,” he emphasizes, suggesting that China’s ultimate calculus is both ideological and strategic, with long-term global dominance as the endgame.
For more from Brian Costello watch this entire segment from Thursday’s WarRoom:
