Fears of World War Three have escalated after the US delivered a stern warning that
China may force Taiwan to re-join the country within the next two years. Leading US Navy official, Admiral John Aquilino, delivered the alarming prediction on Wednesday, suggesting Taiwan could face an invasion from China by 2027. The admiral heads up the Indo-Pacific Command of the Navy and expressed his concerns during an address to
Congress. The Asian superpower has claimed sovereignty over the unofficially independent island for many years. This forceful reunification has been a key ambition of Chinese President
Xi Jinping. Addressing the mainly Republican-led House Armed Services Committee, Aquilino pointed out that "all indications" suggest this forceful manoeuvre could become a reality by 2027, courtesy of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The admiral drew attention to worrying statistics from last year. He highlighted that the PLA had more than 400 fighter aircraft ready to go, alongside 20 major warships equipped with ballistics and cruise missiles. Notably, China has significantly increased its defence budget, directing around 16% of national spending towards its
MILITARY forces equating to over £175.95billion ($223 billion), reports . Concerning activities have been taking place in the South China Sea in recent times. China has reportedly been conducting simulations hinting at what an invasion of Taiwan might look like, complete with maritime and air operations and blockades. This information was shared by Forbes. Joseph Wu, the island nation's foreign minister, was reported in The Guardian last year saying that Taiwan was "taking the Chinese military threat very seriously," and even then pointing out that "2027 is the year that we need to be serious about. " In 2023, Major Kyle Amonson of the US Army and retired Captain Dane Egli of the US Coast Guard detailed Beijing's plan to reclaim Taiwan - separated from the mainland for over a century - in a report titled "The Ambitious Dragon: Beijing's Calculus for Invading Taiwan by 2030,". Military experts believe that "If President Xi continues to pursue annexation of Taiwan, the PLA will be prepared by 2027, and he will likely take steps to realise these ambitions by 2030 as China's population ages, while pursuing unification to solidify his historic legacy in his lifetime". This danger of an invasion comes just months after the
election of Lai Ching-te, a member of the
Democratic Progressive Party who now serves as Taiwan's Vice President. In the past, China had cautioned Taiwanese citizens against electing Lai due to his disapproval of reunification and his commitment to resisting the superpower during his tenure. The US is standing with Taiwan, and people are worried that if China tries to take over the island, it could start a war. The US would step in to help Taiwan, and then lots of European
Friends might join too. America is also trying to beat China in making super weapons and getting astronauts back on the
moon. "We have shown the world how much we cherish our democracy. This is our unwavering commitment," said Lai after winning an election in January. "Taiwan will continue to walk side by side with democracies from around the world ... through our actions. The Taiwanese people have successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence this election."