Washington | China’s increased coercion is a far greater threat to the US and its allies than another September 11-style attack, says a recently retired four-star general who was in the Pentagon when terrorists crashed into it almost 20 years ago.

General James “Mike” Holmes, who until late last year was Commander of the Air Combat Command with responsibility for rapid deployment of air, space, cyber and intelligence forces, said China’s power and motivations were a much greater threat than ever before.