National Security Bureau chief Chen Ming-tong says a scenario where China uses military force to push Taiwan to negotiate is a possibility. That comment came after the Pentagon published a report on Chinese military strength on Wednesday.
The report says that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal much faster than previously thought. The report says that in six years time, China’s army may have 700 usable nuclear warheads, and that that number could exceed 1,000 by the year 2030. This is 2.5 times higher than predictions made last year. The report also says that owing to a rapid modernization of its military, China may try to force Taiwan to negotiate by the year 2027.
Chen says that this course of events is within the realm of possibility. He says that the National Security Bureau has been aware of this scenario for a long time. However, he says he does not expect this to happen within the next three years.
Also on Wednesday, US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said he does not expect China to attack Taiwan in the next 24 months. However, he said that in the event of an assault, the US “absolutely” has the capability to defend Taiwan.