China Sees a ‘Giant With a Limp’ as U.S. Drains Weapons on Iran War

The New York Times  |  David Pierson and Berry Wang

A grinding war in Iran has severely depleted U.S. weapon stockpiles, causing Chinese analysts to question Washington's ability to defend Taiwan. The U.S. has reportedly expended half its long-range stealth cruise missiles and ten times its annual Tomahawk purchases since February, exposing a critical flaw in its war strategy: the inability to rapidly replenish its arsenal during sustained, intense conflict. This perceived weakness shatters America's aura of dominance, with Chinese military experts labeling the U.S. a 'giant with a limp.' This shifting calculus significantly undercuts President Trump’s leverage in an upcoming summit with China’s Xi Jinping, emboldening Beijing's view that the U.S. would struggle against a peer competitor like China if it cannot quickly defeat a regional power like Iran.