The Chinese offensive in Taiwan is imminent, says a US Gen Milley, but the US is watching “closely”.
China is clearly developing an offensive force at some point, but choosing to do so could be a political decision, General Mark Milley told.
China says Taiwan is a rebel province that must be reunited with the continent, forcibly if necessary.
He blamed the US for supporting Taiwan’s independence, and vowed to “crack down” on any such attempt.
“China attack on Taiwan not imminent, but US watching closely”, even this statement of Gen Milley doesn’t give the confidence to Taiwan about the US’s step in case of Chinese attack.
There has been a significant rise recently between China and the US – Taiwan’s most powerful alliance.
China was sending dozens of military planes to Taiwan’s air defense base, while the US was sending warships to Taiwan.
In May, U.S. President Joe Biden said China was “playing with love by accident” by flying its warplanes near Taiwan. He vowed to protect the island in the event of an attack.
Beijing has responded by accusing the US of “breaking its promise to Taiwan” and of “interfering” in Chinese affairs, adding that the country “will not hesitate to fight” to prevent Taiwan from officially declaring independence.
‘We are watching China very closely’ this statement has been repeatedly asserted by US especially Gen Milley.
Asked if he thought China was going to invade Taiwan, General Milley, chairman of the U.S. Labor Force, told
“Probably, you should, those are the key words there.
“As far as power is concerned, I think China is clearly progressing.
“And whether they like it or not, it is a political decision, a policy choice, which will be based on how the Chinese view the cost-benefit at that time.”
“There are no indications or warnings of anything nearby at this time. But also, we are watching it very closely, closely,” said Gen Milley.
The United States does not have a formal relationship with Taiwan, but sells arms as part of the Taiwanese Relations Act, which states that the US must provide the island with security measures.
At the same time, it maintains a formal relationship with China and also officially recognizes China’s position that there is only one Chinese government.
China sees the attack as costly
Another major fear is that war could erupt if China invades Taiwan. Beijing said in the past it could forcibly relocate the island if necessary.
But many analysts say this is impossible – for now.
There has been debate over whether China has the military capabilities to succeed in the attack, and Taiwan has been tightening its air and sea defenses.
But many agree that Beijing recognizes that such a move would be extremely costly and catastrophic – not only in China, but also globally.
China’s consistent position was that it wanted to “reunite peacefully” with Taiwan – and that it would only take action if faced with resentment.
Another reason could be Taiwan’s declaration of independence. But this is something that its President Tsai Ing-wen has largely avoided, as he emphasizes that they have become an independent state.
Many Taiwanese people support this position, known as “maintaining order”, although a small number are increasingly saying they want to go independent.
Similarly, the US will be reluctant to be drawn into the costly military conflict in Asia, and has repeatedly signed that it does not want war.