China escalates military drills around Taiwan: not a ‘rehearsal’ warns commander
China has been escalating its military activities around Taiwan, with a top commander warning that these actions are not mere drills but rather “rehearsals.” Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed concerns during a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee, stating that China’s aggressive behavior poses a significant threat to the region.
Beijing has long sought to assert its dominance over Taiwan in pursuit of “reunification” with mainland China, a move that has been met with resistance from Taiwan and the international community. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign nation, although it is not officially recognized as such by China, the United Nations, or the U.S. under the “One China” policy.
Paparo emphasized that China’s military posturing towards Taiwan is backfiring, drawing increased global attention and prompting Taiwan to bolster its own defense capabilities. He highlighted China’s advancements in air missile, maritime, and space technology, outpacing the United States in these areas. Paparo stressed the need for the U.S. to reassess its deterrence posture and address the disparity in military capabilities between the two countries.
In addition to military concerns, Paparo raised issues regarding shipbuilding, missile development, and space-based capabilities, pointing out that China is outproducing the U.S. in these areas. He underscored the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges within the U.S. military to ensure a sufficient combat logistics force.
The ongoing tension between China and Taiwan has captured global attention, with both sides engaging in military maneuvers and strategic posturing. As the situation continues to evolve, it is imperative for the U.S. and its allies to closely monitor developments in the region and adapt their defense strategies accordingly.
Caitlin McFall is a Reporter at Fox News Digital covering Politics, U.S. and World news.
