US warns Chinese invasion of Taiwan is ‘no longer distant’

A former U.S. defense official has warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is drawing closer, as tensions between the two neighbors continue to escalate.

Charles Flynn, a retired general and former commander of the U.S. Army in the Pacific, also outlined how Beijing might attempt to invade the self-governed island.

Earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that Taiwan is an integral part of China and vowed to reunify the island, which is strongly supported by the United States. In recent weeks, China has stepped up military drills near Taiwan’s coast, raising fears of a possible assault.

Speaking during a hearing of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Flynn stated: “The threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is no longer distant or theoretical.”

During his testimony, Flynn emphasized that China would face major logistical challenges mounting a seaborne invasion, which could play to Taiwan’s defensive advantage despite its limited resources.

“If the PLA Army cannot land, cannot maneuver, cannot hold ground, and cannot subjugate the people of Taiwan, it cannot win,” Flynn said. “If we can prevent them from even attempting to cross, we deter the war altogether.”

(QG - Source: Newsweek  — Picture : © Unsplash)