Department of DefenseAssistant Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific Security Affairs Eli Ratner told Congress on the 19th that China’s attempt to blockade Taiwan may fail. Furthermore, if Beijing wanted to send troops to directly attack Taiwan, it would be extremely difficult to achieve its wish. ,
Reuters reported that the Chinese military has increased its activities around Taiwan in recent years. CIA Director William Burns once said that the Chinese PresidentXi JinpingorderedPeople’s Liberation ArmyBe prepared to invade Taiwan in 2027; However, it is currently unknown whether Xi Jinping intends to annex Taiwan by force or through a blockade.
Reitner said that if the People’s Liberation Army blockaded Taiwan, it would give Taiwan’s allies enough time to mobilize resources to help Taiwan. The economic impact of a blockade of Taiwan would be very damaging and the international community must be determined to deal with China.
Reitner told the House Armed Services Committee that China’s blockade of Taiwan could not succeed and would greatly increase the threat to the People’s Liberation Army. At that time, China may have to consider whether it is ready to launch attacks on commercial vessels.
Army Maj. Gen. Joseph McGee, deputy director for “strategy, plans and policy” at the Defense Department’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that given the many challenges of the blockade, the likelihood of China taking action is extremely low.
McGee told the committee that he believed a blockade was an option, but that it had little chance of being adopted. The People’s Liberation Army began to consider its military options and would talk about a blockade, but would not actually take action.
China began military exercises around Taiwan in August last year and April this year, and the People’s Liberation Army moves around Taiwan almost every day.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said in its biennial report last week that China is increasing the deployment of new fighter jets and drones against Taiwan’s coastal air bases to enhance its air force’s combat capabilities.
However, McGee stated that it would be very difficult for the People’s Liberation Army to launch a frontal and amphibious assault on Taiwan; The same would be true if he wanted to launch a surprise attack.
Mackie said the People’s Liberation Army would have to mobilize thousands or even hundreds of thousands of troops on China’s east coast. The result is a clear indication that “the People’s Liberation Army’s invasion of Taiwan will not be easy.”
McKee explained that the People’s Liberation Army faced the dilemma of Taiwan not having many beaches and the only fear being that ships would have to land in mountainous areas. In addition, the US military believes that the Taiwanese people are willing to fight, so it will not be easy for the People’s Liberation Army to attack Taiwan.
Focus (tagstotranslate) People’s Liberation Army (T) Ministry of National Defense (T) Xi Jinping
