US capable of 'defending' Taiwan against China: US commander

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Jul 2023 08:54

According to the source, Beijing is building up all of its military capabilities at a rate that is "second to none."

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) conducts a routine Taiwan Strait transit on Sunday, April 16, 2023 (U.S. Navy via AP)

US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral John Aquilino told reporters on Tuesday that he is confident the US military has the capability to defend Taiwan against a Chinese "invasion."

"With what we have today, I'm confident that they [China] would fail," Aquilino said at an event hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Aquilino added that Beijing is building up all of its military capabilities at a rate that is "second to none."

The situation around Taiwan escalated following former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contacts with the island.

Pelosi's visit led China to announce ending cooperation with the United States on a number of issues such as climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military talks.

Recent updates on the situation reveal that Taiwan's Vice President, William Lai, is scheduled to visit the United States next month as part of his transit to and from Paraguay.

While these are official stopovers, the visit provides an opportunity for Lai to meet with US officials despite Chinese warnings.

On July 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on soldiers to protect China's sovereignty and territory, telling them to strengthen war and combat planning to boost their chances of winning in actual warfare, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.