‘Catastrophic war’: Xi Jinping possibly preparing for ‘military operation next year’

Former homes affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo believes Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent actions could signal he is preparing for a military operation.

“No one’s really, I think, got a full handle on what President Xi is aiming at,” Mr Pezzullo told Sky News Australia.

“It’s possible he’s getting rid of military commanders in whom he has no confidence or little confidence in advance of a potential military operation next year.

“A ten per cent chance of war, particularly a catastrophic war that would dwarf anything that’s going on in the Middle East now, is something that we need to actively manage against.”