US Admiral Warns of China’s Military Readiness for Potential Taiwan Invasion by 2027

American Admiral Expresses Concern over China’s Military Preparedness for Possible Invasion of Taiwan by 2027

March 22, 2024 TruthUSA

Adm. John Aquilino, commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, has stated that China’s communist regime is strengthening its military capabilities in preparation for a potential invasion of Taiwan in 2027.

According to Aquilino’s written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 21, the regime has been aggressively building its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with the intention to suppress those who advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He emphasized that all signs point towards the PLA meeting President Xi Jinping’s directive to be ready for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027, indicating the regime’s readiness to forcibly unify Taiwan with mainland China.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views Taiwan as a strategic location and aims to use it as a stepping stone for expanding its influence across the Indo-Pacific region, ultimately challenging the United States as the dominant military power.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has also highlighted a similar timeline in its annual threat assessment report, stating that Beijing is striving to have a military ready by 2027 to deter U.S. intervention in a potential crisis involving Taiwan.

Since assuming command in 2021, Adm. Aquilino noted that the PLA has significantly strengthened its arsenal with an increase in fighter jets, warships, and missiles.

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Aquilino pointed out that the PLA has been focusing on enhancing its projection capabilities beyond the First Island Chain, which includes territories like Japan, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines.

This strategic shift includes the addition of advanced naval vessels that can operate further away from the coast, aimed at challenging adversaries beyond the First Island Chain.

He expressed particular concern over the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal, noting a stark increase in warhead inventory since 2020.

The Pentagon’s 2023 report indicated that China currently possesses over 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections suggesting this number could surpass 1,000 by 2030.

Recently, Beijing disclosed a 7.2% rise in its official defense budget for this year, reaching 1.6 trillion yuan ($222 billion).

Aquilino raised concerns about the lack of transparency in China’s defense spending, suggesting that the actual expenditure might exceed the official figures.

He emphasized the importance of focusing on China’s military capabilities rather than just the budget, highlighting the significant advancements in shipbuilding, aircraft production, missile systems, and satellite technology.

China’s advanced Chengdu J-20 stealth fighters are undergoing upgrades to enhance their combat capabilities, with a focus on increasing their air-to-air missile capacity.

Aquilino concluded by emphasizing how China’s military buildup and aggressive actions threaten regional stability, challenge democratic values, and undermine a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He warned that the current threat posed by China is unprecedented since World War II.

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