Washington, Dec 24 (NationPress) A recent report from the U.S. Defence Department reveals that China is actively enhancing its military capabilities with the objective of seizing Taiwan and aims to be prepared for potential conflict by 2027.

The report indicates that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has achieved “consistent advancements” in its preparations for 2027. A primary objective is to secure a “strategic decisive victory” over Taiwan.

The analysis notes that China’s military strategies are increasingly aligned with those of the United States, with the PLA recognizing Washington as the “formidable adversary” it needs to overcome.

Furthermore, Beijing’s approach towards Taiwan has shifted. The document states that China is no longer solely focused on deterring independence. Instead, it exerts “near constant pressure” on Taipei to compel unification under Beijing’s conditions.

This pressure encompasses military maneuvers, diplomatic efforts, economic strategies, and information campaigns, all aimed at undermining Taiwan’s resolve.

In 2024, Chinese military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan surged significantly. The report notes that PLA aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone over 3,000 times, nearly doubling the instances recorded in 2023.

Chinese naval forces also maintained a near-daily presence around the island. PLA aircraft increasingly crossed the Taiwan Strait centerline, gradually eroding a longstanding informal boundary.

China conducted 38 joint combat readiness patrols around Taiwan in 2024 and executed two significant military exercises — JOINT SWORD-2024A in May and JOINT SWORD-2024B in October.

These drills focused on testing blockade strategies and precision strikes, as well as rehearsing coordination across air, naval, missile, cyber, and information forces.

For the first time, the China Coast Guard participated alongside the PLA, marking an enhancement in China’s ability to integrate military and law enforcement forces during a potential blockade.

The Pentagon outlines four potential strategies China could utilize to enforce unification: coercion short of war, missile and air strikes, a full blockade, and an amphibious invasion.

While the invasion strategy remains the most challenging, the report indicates that China continues to prepare for it.

In 2024, Chinese forces practiced strikes on both maritime and land targets. They also rehearsed methods to block access to vital ports, with some exercises concentrating on countering U.S. forces in the region.

PLA strike capabilities may reach “1,500–2,000 nautical miles” from China’s mainland, a range that could disrupt U.S. military operations in a conflict scenario.

This military buildup is supported by increased defense spending and advancements in technology. Since President Xi Jinping assumed power, China’s defense budget has nearly doubled.

The PLA is advancing in areas such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic missiles, space systems, and cyber warfare.

The report also emphasizes China’s nuclear expansion, noting that its warhead stockpile remained in the “low 600s” through 2024, but Beijing is on track to deploy over 1,000 warheads by 2030.

In September 2024, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, likely simulating “wartime nuclear deterrence operations.”

Despite these activities, Chinese leaders exhibit uncertainty. The report suggests that Beijing is not entirely confident the PLA can seize Taiwan while successfully countering U.S. intervention.

Consequently, China continues to refine its strategies, enhancing joint operations and maintaining ongoing military pressure around Taiwan.

The report concludes that China is transforming the power dynamics in the region while aiming to keep conflicts below the threshold of full-scale war.