A U.S. Army recruiter, identified as Max Zhang, has drawn backlash after appearing in a video stating he would quit the military in the event of a U.S.-China war. Zhang claimed his role as a soldier was “just a job,” not a matter of loyalty to the United States.
“We don’t need to talk about a country or any loyalty because it’s just a job, right?” Zhang remarked in the interview. He dismissed the idea of allegiance, saying, “Whoever will pay you.”
Zhang also claimed that during his 11 years in the Army, he never encountered messaging that framed China as an enemy of the United States. His comments have fueled concerns about foreign sympathies within the military.
When asked how he would respond to a U.S.-China conflict, Zhang warned of the potential for a nuclear World War III. “If war does happen, then I’ll definitely quit the U.S. Army,” he stated. Zhang said he would remain neutral and aid Chinese civilians rather than fight.
This incident highlights the importance of loyalty within the military, where service members take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Zhang’s remarks are seen by some as undermining that commitment.
The video has also amplified fears about Chinese influence. Rep. James Comer (R-KY) recently stated that China “has infiltrated just about every major part of our federal government.” Calls for greater scrutiny of potential foreign sympathies in the military are now growing louder.
