Pentagon’s Assessment Suggests Chinese Attempt to Blockade Taiwan Would Likely be Unsuccessful
Army Major General Joseph McGee informed lawmakers that a PLA invasion of Taiwan would not be easy. Senior Pentagon officials stated during a congressional hearing on September 20 that the Chinese military would likely fail if it attempted to blockade Taiwan. Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, explained that a blockade would pose a significant risk of escalation for China and could lead to international coalition mobilization against the regime. Furthermore, Taiwan receives vital resources from international allies, weakening Beijing’s chances of success. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph McGee agreed, emphasizing the difficulties and challenges of carrying out a blockade. He noted that Taiwan is well-prepared to survive a blockade for a considerable amount of time. The Beijing regime has increased its military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, and CIA Director William Burns has warned of a possible invasion by 2027. However, launching a frontal attack on Taiwan would be highly complicated due to various factors, including the geographical terrain, limited beaches for landing, and a population willing to fight. Beijing also exerts maximum pressure on Taiwan through cyberattacks, military exercises, and other gray-zone activities. Taiwan’s digital minister, Audrey Tang, highlighted the country’s efforts to detect foreign threat actors and respond to cybersecurity challenges. Taiwan continues to reinforce its democracy and invest in defense capabilities to resist coercion. The island seeks to deepen its partnership with the United States and involve other global partners to preserve the status quo. Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN assembly since 1971 is seen as an unfair attempt to isolate the country. Both Paraguay and G7 leaders have expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. Overcoming these challenges requires innovation, creativity, and the collective interests of the international community in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
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