Craig Whelden: Implications of China’s Rising Power

Abstract

With more than a dozen years in the Pacific as a senior military leader, Major General Craig Whelden had a front-row seat to China’s behavior. This presentation explores what is happening: geopolitically, militarily, and economically as China expands its sphere of influence. Learn about the strategic importance of the Malacca Straight, the South China Sea, the exploding growth of China’s military, and their encroachment on the “second island chain” – where the U.S. begins its day in Guam.

Craig will also draw parallels between China’s ambitions in Taiwan and Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine.

Biography

General Whelden’s leadership development began when becoming an Eagle Scout at age 14, sending him on the path to become the youngest General in the U.S. Army. He served 12 years in the Pacific where he was hyper-focused on China and charged with planning for war with that nation. He spent 10 years as a member of the Senior Executive Service with the Marine Corps, repositioning 10,000 Marines from Okinawa to various locations across the Pacific, facing strong opposition from Chinese interests.

In 2011, the General was inducted into the Purdue University Tri-Service ROTC Hall of Fame. He is now a Global Fortune 500 speaker and author of Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best, winning four national book awards and attaining #1 international bestseller status on Amazon.