(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 24th, comprehensive foreign news report) John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said in an interview yesterday that China’s goal is to have the ability to invade Taiwan by 2027. The statement echoed previous warnings from top U.S. military officials.
Aquilino told Nikkei Asia and other local media during his visit to Japan that the aforementioned timetable is based on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s request that “if the mission is to be carried out in 2027, his military must be ready.” . He also said that this timetable was not proposed by the United States.
Aquilino expressed concern about China’s military reorganization and the communist army’s increasing provocations against Taiwan.
Aquilino pointed out: “Despite the economic recession, they still insist on investing in military capabilities.” He believes that China will continue to invest considerable resources in the military even if it encounters greater economic headwinds.
Aquilino also criticized China for providing semiconductors and other dual-use products to the Moscow authorities to assist Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Beijing authorities claimed that these products were sold by private enterprises, “which is different from government aid to Russia.” Aquilino refuted this statement, pointing out that China’s military and civilian departments are integrated into one.
Aquilino also mentioned the agreement reached at the summit between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 10.
The focus of the joint statement between the two countries at that time was to strengthen the US-Japan alliance. The Japan Self-Defense Forces plans to establish a new “Unified Operations Command” in 2024. The United States will strengthen the functions of the US military headquarters in Japan and strengthen command and control cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Aquilino said that further integration of U.S. and Japanese forces is “definitely the right path” and that all parties will consider specific plans for the future through ministerial-level dialogue.
In the South China Sea, Chinese ships have engaged in provocative actions near the Philippine-controlled Second Thomas Shoal in recent months.
Aquilino pointed out that China’s increase or escalation of actions may make it necessary to launch a mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States. (Translator: Liu Shuqin/Verification: Chen Yanjun) 1130424
