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Xi Jinping has ordered his army to be ready to invade Taiwan “by 2027,” though he’s beginning to have doubts about its ability to do so after witnessing Russia’s troubles in Ukraine. This was stated by the head of the CIA, William Burns, in an interview with Cbs. “It is not certain that China will invade Taiwan in 2027 or any other year,” the agency head said. “Our assessment so far is that Beijing leaders and army chiefs are not sure they will be able to complete the mission.”
Taiwan and China separated in 1949 after a civil war that resulted in Communist Party control of the mainland. The island has remained autonomous but is not recognized by the United Nations or by most countries. In 1979, US President Jimmy Carter officially recognized the government in Beijing and severed national relations with Taiwan.
In the interview, which aired Sunday, Burns said support from the United States and European allies for Ukraine following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country could serve as a potential deterrent to Chinese officials, at least for now, but also said the Risks of a possible attack on Taiwan could increase in the future.
