US Indo-Pacific Commander: "China Will Complete Preparations to Invade Taiwan by 2027"

"China Doubles Nuclear Weapons Compared to 2020"

The commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command testified that China is expected to acquire the capability to forcibly unify Taiwan by 2027.

John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, stated this in a written submission to the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the 20th (local time). He said, "Despite the slowdown in economic growth, China continues aggressive military expansion and modernization, along with coercive 'gray zone' operations." The gray zone strategy refers to achieving national security objectives without escalating to war.

John Aquilino, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command
Photo by Yonhap News

The commander described these military movements as "signs that China is implementing President Xi Jinping's directive to complete preparations for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027." He added, "This suggests that China has the capability to meet the timeline Xi desires if an order for the forcible unification of Taiwan is issued." However, regarding the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, he assessed that "China would prefer to absorb Taiwan without a possible war."

He explained that China is expanding its military capabilities across multiple domains?land, sea, air, space, cyber, and intelligence?on an unprecedented scale since World War II. Over the past three years since his appointment, China has acquired more than 400 additional fighter jets and over 20 major warships, and has more than doubled its stockpile of ballistic and cruise missiles. He expressed particular concern over China doubling its nuclear weapons compared to 2020.

He also addressed China’s military provocations against the Philippines. He pointed out that China is making legally unfounded territorial claims in the South China Sea and is acting aggressively to enforce them, including attacking Philippine vessels in the region with water cannons and lasers.

At the hearing, he said, "We are concerned about China’s aggressive and dangerous activities targeting our ally, the Philippines," and warned, "If any members of the Philippine crew or military personnel are killed, Article 5 of the Mutual Defense Treaty could be invoked."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.