"Taiwan's Military Power is Strong... Difficult for China to Occupy in Short Term"
"Focus on Modernizing Forces to Occupy Taiwan by 2027"
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, assessed that China’s military power is still insufficient for a sudden invasion of Taiwan within the next 1 to 2 years. He analyzed that China will focus more on military modernization efforts aimed at occupying Taiwan by 2027.
On the 23rd (local time), Chairman Milley appeared at a hearing of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and, when questioned about the possibility of China’s military occupation of Taiwan, stated, "It is unlikely to happen suddenly," explaining, "Considering Taiwan’s size and defense capabilities, an invasion aimed at occupation with China’s current military power would cost far more than the benefits."
Milley’s remarks sparked controversy as they appeared to differ in tone from previous assessments by current and former Indo-Pacific Commanders. Earlier, Philip Davidson, former Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned of the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in March while he was in office.
At that time, Commander Davidson said, "China is accelerating its efforts to replace the U.S. in the rules-based international order by 2050, which is concerning," adding, "Before that point, China’s ambitious target is Taiwan, and that threat will become clear in the 2020s, within the next six years."
In response to criticism that Milley’s remarks diverged from those of past U.S. military leaders, he clarified, "I do not completely dismiss any of their opinions," explaining, "The six years mentioned by Commander Davidson means that China will continue military modernization efforts until 2027 to build the military power necessary to occupy Taiwan."
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