The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific, Admiral Samuel Paparo, stated that the US could currently defeat China in a conflict over Taiwan but warned of increasing challenges as China’s military rapidly expands. He highlighted that while the US maintains advantages in undersea and space capabilities, China’s production of warships and submarines outpaces that of the US, posing a significant threat. Paparo noted the People’s Liberation Army’s escalating military exercises around Taiwan and emphasized the importance of preparation for potential conflict, with a key 2027 readiness date set by President Xi Jinping.
