U.S. sees Chinese invasion of Taiwan unlikely next year despite 2027 timeline, sources say
Chinese President Xi Jinping had instructed his military to be ready by 2027 to take the democratically governed island by force.
U.S. officials are expressing growing skepticism that China will invade Taiwan before 2028, despite Chinese President Xi Jinping's directive for his military to be prepared to seize the island by force by that year, according to people familiar with U.S. assessments. The belief in a delayed invasion stems from several factors. Firstly, China's military readiness has been hindered by the ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the Chinese Communist Party.
Additionally, Beijing appears eager to witness the outcomes of Taiwan's upcoming 2028 election, as a favorable result could potentially pave the way for a more accommodating government that would facilitate the island's absorption into China. Former U.S. officials and a person familiar with the matter suggest that if the Democratic Progressive Party secures a fourth consecutive term, Beijing may be more inclined to consider military action against Taiwan.
Notably, the likelihood of invasion grows even higher if the incumbent President Lai Ching-te manages to retain his position in the election.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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