TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China wants to have the ability to annex Taiwan by 2027, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral John Aquilino said recently while on a visit to Japan.
This prediction was based on Chinese leader Xi Jinping's (習近平) order that his military was to "be prepared if tasked to execute in 2027," Aquilino said, per Nikkei Asia. He expressed concern about China's military buildup and belligerence toward Taiwan.
"Despite a failing economy, there is a conscious decision to fund military capability," he said.
China’s increased military activity in the region has prompted a closer U.S.-Japan defense partnership. Earlier this month, the two countries agreed to establish a joint operations command. Further integrating the forces "is absolutely the right path," Aquilino said.
China’s actions in the South China Sea could also "generate the need to activate the mutual defense treaty" between the U.S. and the Philippines, the commander added.
Aquilino’s comments come after U.S. President Joe Biden signed a US$95.34 billion (NT$3.1 trillion) foreign aid bill into law on Wednesday (April 24), which included US$8.12 billion (NT$264 billion) for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.
Of that, US$2 billion in Foreign Military Financing went to Taiwan and other U.S. regional security partners to counter Chinese aggression, and US$1.9 billion was for replenishing defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.