TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo warned that last week's military exercises conducted by China appear to be a “rehearsal” for an invasion of Taiwan.

Following Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration on May 20, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched the "Joint Sword-2024A" exercises in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan from May 23-24. In an interview with Nikkei Asia on Thursday (May 29), Paparo said that the drills “looked like a rehearsal” for an invasion of Taiwan.

Paparo said the forces under his command closely observed and assessed the PLA exercises last week. "We watched it. We took note. We learned from it," said Paparo, emphasizing that this enabled the U.S. to be better prepared for future military actions by China.

When asked about the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, Paparo said it would depend on Beijing's “own assessments.” He cautioned that China is steadily strengthening its capabilities at “an alarming rate.” 

Nevertheless, if hostilities were to occur in the Taiwan Strait, Paparo expressed confidence that the U.S., its allies, and partner nations would “prevail in a conflict.” He said that one of the important tasks during his tenure will be to bolster coordination with Japan Self-Defense Forces.