A senior US defense official says China will not attack Taiwan before the end of this decade because it is too costly. United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner made the statement on Thursday at a speech at the Hudson Institute.
He said China is the only country with the intent and capability to overturn international order, but deterrence is strong and real. Ratner cited that in the past year, the US and its allies have built up capabilities to ensure that Beijing’s bullying and coercion does not succeed. He said it has been a breakthrough year for alliances and partnerships in countering China’s military ambitions. This includes Japan’s decision to increase defense spending and work on counter-strike capabilities and the agreement between the US and the Philippines to expand basing. He further cited “new technology dialogues” between the US and India about improving cooperation on military industrial production.
Ratner said it is the aim of the US that its partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific can defend themselves and not give into coercion.