FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
According to American and Taiwanese military officials and analysts, Beijing has developed the capability to strike the island, moving from a peacetime scenario to a war scenario within hours.
China is reportedly preparing for a surprise attack on Taiwan. The warning was given by US and Taiwanese military officials and analysts quoted by the Financial Times, according to whom Beijing has now developed a system capable of launching a lightning military operation against the island claimed as part of its territory. An escalation, the sources explain, enabled by the strengthening of the capabilities of the Chinese armed forces, which can now be activated "at any time".
According to experts, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is now able to rapidly transition from peacetime to wartime operations, thanks to an acceleration in the mobilization of its air forces, the introduction of new amphibious and air assault units, and the adoption of more sophisticated artillery systems.
Three warning signs
There are at least three pieces of data that, according to analysts, confirm the increase in the quality of the Chinese armed forces. The first is the increase in PLA air strikes in the Taiwan Defense Identification Zone.
The second is the constant presence of Chinese warships around the island.
The third concerns China's ability to implement a naval blockade within hours, thanks in part to the use of Type 075 attack ships, equipped with helicopters capable of transporting special forces.
However, some US officials point out that the Chinese military still shows weaknesses in decision-making and coordination between forces, key elements in conducting modern warfare. “They have not yet demonstrated their ability to adapt to a real war scenario,” one officer told the British newspaper.
Beijing's goal: to be ready by 2027
Since 2015, China has embarked on a comprehensive military reform to improve the integration of its land, sea, air and missile forces. Since 2022, joint exercises have intensified, a sign - according to US intelligence - that Beijing is increasing pressure on Taipei. Xi Jinping has reportedly set 2027 as the deadline to complete preparations for a possible invasion. According to sources, the People's Liberation Army of China would need only "minimal time" to launch an attack, thanks to continuous training and the proximity of units to their launch ports.
Taiwan also reports ongoing exercises by Chinese amphibious forces along the coast and high operational readiness of its air force, ready for a possible large-scale launch. Among the most concrete threats is a new missile system - the PCH-191 multiple rocket launcher - capable of hitting targets anywhere on the island from the mainland coast, with a range of 300 kilometers. According to Taiwanese authorities, these systems are regularly used during exercises.
The Unknown of the Pacific
The evolution of China's air capabilities also adds to the alarm. The introduction of the Y-20 refueling aircraft has extended the flight range of the latest generation fighters (J-10, J-11, J-16, J-20), which can now strike Taiwan directly from their home bases. Meanwhile, the Chinese navy has increased its presence in the Western Pacific, a move that could help prevent ships from being stranded too close to the Chinese coast in the event of a conflict, according to Yang Tai-yuan, a former instructor at Taiwan's Military Command.
A US official said about a dozen Chinese navy and coast guard ships are stationed near the island at any time. In coordination with regional ports, they would have the ability to move to a blockade or siege phase “within hours.”
Taipei fears above all a surprise air attack, while Chinese military pressure on the island is becoming increasingly persistent and structured. / Adapted from Pamphlet by Today /
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