Senator James Inhofe, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, has warned that Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea make it look like the Asian superpower is “preparing for World War III.”

The Republican representing Oklahoma made the comments during a Tuesday hearing on foreign threats to the United States. Inhofe cited escalating tensions in the South China Sea as an area of concern for the U.S.

“It’s like [China is] preparing for World War III,” the senator said, military newspaper Navy Times reported. “You’re talking to our allies over there and you wonder whose side they’re going to be on.”

Inhofe also expressed his concern that Washington’s fears regarding China’s ability to challenge and threaten the U.S. are not fully appreciated by the American public. “I’m concerned our message is not getting across,” he warned, suggesting that America’s dominance in the Pacific has come to an end.

https://www.newsweek.com/china-preparing-world-war-iii-armed-services-committee-1311678