Admiral John Aquinino expressed fears that China may seek to invade Taiwan until 2027, in accordance with the directive of President Si Jinping for the military. He stressed that Xi Jinping urged his military to be ready to accomplish tasks in 2027.
Admiral expressed anxiety with China's military capacity and provocations against Taiwan, emphasizing that China will continue to spend significant resources on military needs, even in connection with economic difficulties.
Aquinino criticized China for the supply of semiconductors and other dual -purpose products to Russia, which supports Moscow's hostilities in Ukraine. He rejected the argument that these companies sell products "separate from the government", noticing the merger of the military and civilian sectors of China.
He also mentioned the agreement of US President Joe Baiden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kisida to create a united operational command for US troops in Japan in order to increase cooperation with Japan's self-defense forces.
Admiral Aquinino believes that further integration of forces is the right direction. He noted that the parties would consider specific options for advancement forward within a ministerial dialogue.
In the South Chinese Sea, Chinese government vessels have recently performed provocative actions near the Milin Thomas, controlled by the Philippines. According to Aquinino, an increase or escalation of China may activate the mutual defense agreement between the US and the Philippines.
