By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON/BEIJING/TAIPEI (Worthy News) – A top-ranking U.S. Navy officer in Asia warns that China may invade Taiwan within three years, though Beijing’s military threats suggested it could occur earlier.
U.S. Admiral John Aquilino, head of Indo-Pacific Command, said “all indications” point to the Chinese military being ready for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
While China’s leader Xi Jinping set that date for a possible military operation, there were indications Friday that preparations were underway, with scores of Chinese warplanes reported near the democratically ruled island.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed it detected at least 36 Chinese military aircraft in a 24-hour window till 06:00 am local time on Friday and monitored “six naval ships” operating around Taiwan.
During the previous 24-hour period ending at 6:00 a.m. Thursday, the ministry said Beijing had sent in 32 aircraft.
Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Aquilino said China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues an “aggressive military buildup” and modernization effort.
“The PLA’s actions indicate their ability to meet Xi’s preferred timeline to unify Taiwan with mainland China by force if directed,” he stressed.
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U.S. and Taiwanese sources have said in recent days that American forces are on the ground in Taiwan, but it wasn’t clear whether that would be enough to deter China.
Aquilino observed that China also possesses advanced modern systems, enabling 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.
The latest standoff has raised concerns about another imminent war impacting the world, with the U.S. and its allies already struggling to deal with other major hot spots, including the war in Ukraine and Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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