US: M’land May Soon Trust Its Military Capabilities Well Enough to Use Force Against Taiwan

 US: M’land May Soon Trust Its Military Capabilities Well Enough to Use Force Against Taiwan

Source: United Daily News

January 17, 2019

On January 15, the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) released its 2019 report on China military power, pointing out that “Beijing's longstanding interest to eventually compel Taiwan's reunification with the mainland and deter any attempt by Taiwan to declare independence has served as the primary driver for China's military modernization.”

According to a dispatch by Reuters, a US official stated that the US was closely monitoring Mainland China’s intentions toward Taiwan out of concerns that Beijing’s growing military modernization and military capabilities might increase the risk of the Mainland taking Taiwan by military force. In addition, an unnamed senior US defense intelligence official pointed out that the biggest concern was that the People’s Liberation Army might actually tell PRC President Xi Jinping that it is confident in its military capabilities to do so.

A news story by Defense News also reported that a senior US defense intelligence official called the idea that Beijing might soon trust its military capabilities well enough to launch military action against Taiwan “the most concerning” conclusion from the DIA report.

In response, Hua Chunying (華春瑩), spokesperson for the Mainland’s Foreign Ministry, stated yesterday that the report by the US disregarded the facts and made unwarranted comments on China’s strategic intentions.

Attachment : none