TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Pentagon on Wednesday warned that China is building up its military in an unprecedented manner with development of its nuclear and space capabilities.
John Noh, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing that China seeks hegemony in the Indo-Pacific and may overtake the US as the world's most powerful nation. Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) has ordered the People's Liberation Army to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, Noh added.
He said the US must restore regional deterrence with a credible military force and share the defense burden with allies and partners. "Stronger allies lead to stronger alliances, and stronger alliances deter aggression and create dilemmas for our adversaries.”
Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said the command faces many challenges.
"Foremost among them is China's increasingly aggressive and assertive behavior. Their unprecedented military modernization encompassing advancements in artificial intelligence, (hypersonic missiles), space-based capabilities, among others, poses a real and serious threat to our homeland, to our allies and to our partners," Paparo said.
He pointed out that last year the PLA demonstrated its growing military capabilities with constant drills around Taiwan, an escalation of 300%. China's military actions near Taiwan are rehearsals for an invasion, Paparo said.
Paparo said the PLA’s attempts to intimidate Taiwanese and showcase its military power could backfire by drawing global attention and prompting Taiwan to ramp up its defenses.
The Pentagon's warning comes a week after China launched a two-day live-fire exercise around Taiwan. The drills focused on combat-readiness patrols and blockade maneuvers, according to China's Eastern Theater Command.
National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) on Tuesday detailed China’s use of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the recruitment of Taiwanese military veterans to destabilize Taiwan. He said the NSB has strengthened internal cooperation between civil and governmental agencies to counter these threats.
