In testimony before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Admiral John Aquilino, head of the Indo-Pacific Command, revealed that China is accelerating its nuclear and military capabilities in preparation for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
“All indications point to the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) meeting President Xi Jinping’s directive to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027,” Aquilino said. “The PLA’s actions indicate their ability to meet Xi’s preferred timeline to unify Taiwan with mainland China by force if directed.”
Aquilino noted that China also possesses advanced modern systems that would enable it to exert significant control in the Pacific. “The People’s Liberation Army is fielding modern systems like hypersonic weapons and fifth-generation fighters,” he said. “They can project power well into the Pacific with a 340 ship navy that includes a new aircraft carrier and nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines.”
China requested in February that the U.S. sever all official ties with Taiwan following Taiwanese elections that saw anti-China politicians take power. “China opposes any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan authorities and rejects U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs in whatever form or under whatever pretext,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
