Beijing has responded to a warning from a U.S. military official, stating that it is “always prepared” amid concerns that China is strengthening its ability to invade Taiwan by 2027.
Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian emphasized on Thursday that Taiwan is regarded as China’s territory and that any foreign intervention in the Taiwan issue will not be tolerated.
China has expressed its determination to eventually bring Taiwan under its control, despite the fact that the Chinese Communist Party has never had a presence on the island.
China has significantly ramped up its military activities in the vicinity of the self-governing island, leading Taipei to intensify its endeavors in enhancing its defense capabilities.
During his visit to Japan, Admiral John Aquilino, the chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, revealed to reporters on Tuesday that China is actively pursuing the capability to capture Taiwan by 2027.
CIA Director Bill Burns has also claimed that intelligence suggests Chinese President Xi Jinping has given a timeline to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for a potential invasion. However, it is important to note that this does not guarantee that China will actually carry out such an invasion.
According to Aquilino, China’s rapid military buildup will persist, regardless of the economic challenges the country currently faces or may encounter in the future. He believes that there is a deliberate intention to invest in military capabilities, despite the struggling economy.
During the defense ministry’s press conference on Thursday, Wu was asked to provide a response to Aquilino’s comments. In reply, Wu stated that the PLA has consistently maintained a strong and prepared stance in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the spokesperson, there is no cause for concern regarding a potential conflict between China and Taiwan, as long as China’s neighboring country refrains from pursuing Taiwan independence.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden took a significant step by signing a bill that allocates $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. This move demonstrates the United States’ commitment to supporting these nations and strengthening partnerships in strategic areas.
Taiwan and other governments in the region are set to receive a substantial $8 billion in security assistance aimed at countering China. Out of this amount, $2 billion will be allocated specifically under the Foreign Military Financing program. In addition, an extra $1.9 billion will be dedicated to replenishing stocks of defensive equipment and services provided by the Pentagon, including training, for these partner countries.
Despite Washington changing diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, the United States continues to be the largest provider of arms to Taipei.
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. spokesman, Liu Pengyu, expressed strong criticism of the new legislation, stating that “the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese.”
During his visit to Beijing this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the significance of maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait in his meetings with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and President Xi. The State Department statement highlighted Blinken’s emphasis on the importance of this issue.
Blinken emphasized that the United States will maintain its one-China policy. For many years, the U.S. has adhered to this policy, acknowledging Beijing’s claim to represent both Taiwan and China without necessarily agreeing with it.