China aims to invade Taiwan in 2027: top US official

ANI |
Updated: April 25, 2024 11:07 PM IST

Tokyo (Japan), April 25 (ANI): Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, has said China aims to invade Taiwan by 2027, Nikkei Asia reported.
Admiral Aquilino, speaking to Nikkei Asia, noted that the timeline is based on Chinese President Xi Jinping asking “his military to be prepared if it is ordered to execute in 2027.” He made the comments to Nikkei and other media on Tuesday during a visit to Japan.
He further said that the US did not come up with the date. According to Nikkei Asia, Aquilino expressed concern about China’s military buildup and increasing provocations against Taiwan
Admiral John Aquilino said: “Despite a failing economy, a conscious decision has been made to fund military capabilities,” adding that he believes China will continue to devote significant resources to the military even in the face of greater economic headwinds , the Nikkei Asia report said. .
Aquilino denounced China for supplying semiconductors and other dual-use items to Russia, backing Moscow’s military action in Kiev. He said China has argued that companies are selling these products “regardless of the government supporting Russia.” However, he rejected China’s argument and pointed to the merger between China’s military and civilian sectors, Nikkei Asia reported.
In the South China Sea, Chinese government vessels have been involved in provocative activities near the Philippine-controlled Second Thomas Shoal in recent months. Aquilino said escalating actions by China “could create the need to activate the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Meanwhile, members of the United States House of Representatives during their visit on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for Taiwan amid mounting pressure from China and pledged to promote stronger bilateral ties between various sectors, Focus Taiwan reported.
Recently, the US Senate successfully passed a $95 billion package aimed at providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, CNN reported. At the meeting in Taipei, House Armed Services Committee member Lisa McClain told President Tsai Ing-wen: “We have increasingly come to understand the importance of a strong relationship between the US and Taiwan.
She said Taiwan faces daily “threats from the Chinese Communist Party, whether military actions over your airspace, aggressive maneuvers in your waters or economic pressure.”
Furthermore, McClain commended the people of Taiwan for “continually fighting for freedoms,” noting that the “bond” between Taiwan and the U.S., based on similar values, is “strong and enduring.” “Let no one today doubt our support for you, Taiwan, for your people and our bright future together,” said Mark Alford, who also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
He stated, “We stand together,” adding that “we must be prepared to stand united against the forces of aggression and together promote the ideals of freedom and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region.”
In addition, McClain added that the U.S. must reduce its deficit in quickly delivering foreign military sales to Taiwan and maintain its ability to resist the use of force or other forms of coercion that could endanger Taiwan’s security bring, according to Focus Taiwan.
At the same time, Taiwan and the US should continue to strengthen trade, try to eliminate double taxation and work to increase Taiwan’s position and influence on the world stage, he added. Before meeting with Tsai, US lawmakers also met with newly elected President Lai Ching-te and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu as part of their visit to Taiwan from April 23 to 25. (ANI)