China is ready to invade Taiwan - Taiwanese and US officials
American and Taiwanese military analysts are sounding the alarm: China's renewed army is capable of launching an attack almost at any time - as soon as the command decides that the time has come.
Here's What We Know
According to the Financial Times, Beijing has significantly accelerated preparations for a possible invasion of Taiwan. New fighter jets, missile systems, and deployed airborne units allow China to "move to warfare" in a matter of hours. American military officials note that the People's Liberation Army already regularly conducts manoeuvres near the island, which could be a cover for a future attack.
Official Taipei confirms this: China is increasingly testing its defence capabilities. China's fighter jets fly into Taiwan's air defence zone an average of 250 times a month, compared to less than ten times five years ago. Artillery, aviation, and marines are all on alert. And the latest J-10, J-11, J-16 and J-20 aircraft can reach the island without refuelling, which greatly simplifies the planning of operations.
American generals do not hide their anxiety. Admiral Samuel Paparo bluntly stated that China could turn the exercise into an attack at any time. General Doug Wickert reminded that a potential war would also affect the United States - not only because of allied commitments, but also because of cyber attacks that could paralyse even California in the event of a conflict.
Source: Financial Times
