Washington, D.C.: During a session with the US House Armed Services Committee, a top US admiral raised concerns on Wednesday, indicating that China’s military buildup, unprecedented since World War II, suggests preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Admiral John Aquilino, head of the Indo-Pacific Command, stated in prepared testimony that China’s defense budget has surged by 16% in recent years, exceeding $223 billion.
The report surfaces as Taiwan reported detecting 32 Chinese military aircraft encircling the island within a 24-hour period—marking the second-highest number this year.
Taiwan’s defense ministry disclosed that within the stated timeframe, it also observed five naval vessels operating around the island. It further noted that twenty of the aircraft had breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
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In response to the detected activities, Taiwan’s armed forces deployed patrol aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems, as per the statement.
Aquilino highlighted that under his command over the past three years, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has augmented its arsenal with over 400 fighter aircraft, along with more than 20 major warships. Additionally, since 2020, the PLA has doubled its inventory of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Bloomberg quoted Aquilino stating, “All indications point to the PLA meeting President Xi Jinping’s directive to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027,” adding, “The PLA’s actions indicate their ability to meet Xi’s preferred timeline to unify Taiwan with mainland China by force if directed.”
He further emphasized that the Chinese military has been engaging in various maneuvers associated with potential actions against Taiwan, including rehearsals of encirclement tactics involving maritime and air blockades.
Debates among US lawmakers, officials, and military personnel have intensified regarding Xi Jinping’s intentions concerning Taiwan, particularly in light of China’s aspiration for its military to attain “world-class” status by 2027. Almost a year ago, Aquilino testified on the speculations surrounding Chinese military strategies.
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Meanwhile, the US intelligence community assesses that while China desires to bring Taiwan under its control, it aims to avoid military conflict over the matter.
Representative Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, underscored China’s significant defense spending, remarking that the PLA has been modernizing its systems and expanding its naval capabilities, including aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines.
Rogers also highlighted concerns over China’s partnership with Russia, viewing it as a response to US alliances in the Pacific and elsewhere, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“It should be concerning to the whole globe,” Aquilino concluded, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
