US discloses date for China's potential invasion of Taiwan

US Admiral John Aquilino, head of Indo-Pacific Command, has issued a stark warning about China's military preparedness, stating that "all indications" suggest the Chinese military is gearing up for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027, aligning with President Xi Jinping's stated timeline.

In his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 21, Aquilino emphasized China's ongoing "aggressive military buildup" and modernization efforts, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Hill.

He expressed concerns that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively working to meet President Xi's directive to be ready for a Taiwan invasion by 2027.

"Furthermore, the PLA's actions indicate their ability to meet Xi's preferred timeline to unify Taiwan with mainland China by force if directed," Aquilino stated ahead of his testimony.

Highlighting China's increasing defense expenditure, Aquilino informed lawmakers that Beijing has raised its defense budget by 7.2 percent this year, marking the third consecutive year of budgetary increases. He cautioned that China's actual defense spending may exceed official figures, underscoring the magnitude of the threat posed by China's military buildup.

Asserting the severity of the situation, Aquilino remarked, "we haven't faced a threat like this since World War II," stressing the need for enhanced resources to counter China's military expansion.

While Aquilino acknowledged that a military invasion of Taiwan is not guaranteed, he cautioned that China may pursue alternative means to achieve unification, including the use of force if peaceful efforts fail. Despite China's assertion of preferring peaceful unification, Aquilino emphasized that President Xi has not ruled out the use of military force.

In recent years, China has displayed heightened aggression towards Taiwan, conducting frequent military drills and airspace violations. Aquilino noted China's provocative actions, including the deployment of spy balloons around the island nation.

As Taiwan strengthens its ties with the United States, Aquilino underscored America's commitment to supporting Taiwan, both militarily and diplomatically. He highlighted the importance of bolstering alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the strategic significance of countering the potential threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

In conclusion, Aquilino reiterated the PLA's pursuit of a modernized military force, characterized by advanced technology and network-centric capabilities, reaffirming China's determination to achieve its objectives by 2027.