US CIA Director: "Xi Jinping Orders Preparation for Taiwan Invasion by 2027"

"Xi Jinping Firmly Believes in Controlling Taiwan"
"He Is Paying Great Attention to the Ukraine War"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] William Burns, Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), warned of the possibility of a Taiwan conflict, stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the Chinese military to complete preparations to invade Taiwan by 2027. Analysts believe that 2027, when Xi's fourth term is decided, will be a crucial turning point in China's attempt to seize Taiwan.

According to CNN on the 5th (local time), Director Burns said in an interview with CBS the previous day, "President Xi has instructed the military to prepare to successfully invade Taiwan by 2027," adding, "The risk of conflict increases as we approach the late 2020s." He emphasized, "President Xi is firmly committed to unification, that is, to seizing Taiwan."

2027 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese military and is the year the Chinese government plans to complete its combat power modernization project. It is also the year when the 21st Party Congress will be held to decide Xi's fourth term, a year known for definitively determining whether he will hold lifelong power. Accordingly, U.S. authorities and think tanks have repeatedly analyzed that 2027 will be a significant turning point in China's strategy to invade Taiwan.

Director Burns also claimed that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine will greatly influence China's potential military invasion of Taiwan. Burns explained, "President Xi is watching what is happening in Ukraine with hawk-like eyes," adding, "It seems that President Xi has somewhat sobered up due to the poor performance of the Russian military, and the Chinese leadership is also observing what happens when the citizens of an invaded country resist with tremendous courage and perseverance." He added, "This realization could change President Xi's attitude toward Taiwan."