US President Trump recently stated in his latest remarks regarding Taiwan that military sales to Taiwan could serve as a valuable bargaining tool. However, he decided to put this decision on hold for now. On May 20th, Zhu Fenglian, the spokesperson for the State Council Information Office, responded by saying that China firmly opposes any form of official contact between the United States and Taiwan. It also rejects any attempts by the United States to sell weapons to Taiwan. This position is consistent and clear-cut.
Compared to the relatively more lenient attitude of the Trump administration, a 121-page document prepared by the US military uses much stronger language to describe Chinas military capabilities. On May 29 local time, US media outlet Bloomberg reported that Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, General Papparo, revealed in a report submitted to Congress that the US military is quietly strengthening its deterrence or countermeasures against mainland China, including the development of new types of anti-ship bombs and advanced mines.
Bloomberg, based on the information it received, states that Papparo threatened members of Congress by saying that the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army is undertaking historic expansions in various fields, and is training for two main tasks: promoting regional unity in Taiwan, as well as strengthening its defense capabilities against the United States and its allies. The military preparations are scheduled to begin in 2027.
The report details how U.S. military planners will utilize the $1.5 trillion defense budget allocated by the Trump administration. This significant increase is 44% higher than last years allocation. Papparo urges lawmakers to approve this decision promptly, in order to protect the country and counter what he calls Chinas strategic misalignment.
According to reports, a key part of the budget request includes an allocation of $592 million for the development, prototype manufacturing, and procurement of Quicksink seeker components. These components can transform Boeings GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions into low-cost, all-weather anti-ship weapons that can detonate below the waterline, penetrate the ships keel, and thereby sink ships.
The report states that the Fast Submergence component will help counter enemy fleets with a superior number in the Indo-Pacific region. American media believe that this wording clearly refers to the Chinese mainland. Data from the U.S. Congressional Research Service shows that the Chinese Navy has over 430 ships, making it the largest in the world. In comparison, the U.S. Navy has only 291 combat ships.
The budget request also lists approximately $2.5 billion for unmanned systems, including unmanned surface vessels and underwater vehicles. This is intended to provide the United States with significant and cost-effective operational advantages in dealing with equivalent threats in the Pacific region.
Another weapon project named Quick Strike has requested a funding of $531 million for the development of a series of shallow-water drop mines that can be used to target both surface and underwater targets.
Papparo also highlighted another plan targeting China, which involved the use of clandestine delivered mines.
According to reports, this plan will utilize existing submarine launching capabilities, enabling the United States to secretly deploy minefields in key maritime areas. Additionally, the new Hammerhead mines will complement air-based mine laying capabilities. These mines are anchored deep beneath the sea surface, and sensors detect potential threats. Once a threat is identified, Mk54 light torpedoes are launched.
The budget request claims that the new type of mines will help the United States maintain strategic control over key waterways. Given that the current war against Iran involves strategic battles around the Strait of Hormuz, which is located in Tehrans control, this capability becomes particularly important.
Other important military technologies under consideration in the budget include the Cancun project, which involves implementing key electronic countermeasures to counter Chinas long-range radar systems. Additionally, there is also the use of Darknet secure communication systems.
This request also focuses on hypersonic weapons. This includes the procurement of hypersonic missiles worth $3 billion for the Army and Navy, hypersonic cruise missiles worth over $1 billion for the Air Force, a new type of low-cost hypersonic weapon called Blackbeard worth $951 million, and air-launched rapid response weapons and ammunition worth $779 million.
Bloomberg noted that this report, dated April 6th, once again identified 2027 as a crucial year for the Chinese militarys efforts to seize Taiwan. Earlier this year, a intelligence assessment published at that time did not agree with the Pentagons prediction that the Chinese mainland might use force to attack Taiwan in 2027.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded that the Taiwan issue is a matter of Chinas internal affairs. How to resolve the Taiwan issue is entirely a matter for the Chinese people, and no external forces should interfere. The US should adhere to the principle of one China and the three joint communiques between China and the US. It should be cautious in its actions regarding the Taiwan issue. At the same time, relevant US agencies and individuals should abandon ideological biases and Cold War-style zero-sum thinking, correct their perception of China, and stop promoting the China threat theory.
On the morning of May 30th, local time, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel delivered a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. While he praised the current relationship between the United States and China as better than many years ago, he also stated that the U.S. would further strengthen its cooperation with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S.s strategy in this region will be based on deterrence along the First Island Chain.
Hong Kongs South China Morning Post noted that during his 25-minute speech, Hagee remained tough on China. However, compared to last year, there was less confrontational tone in his remarks. He not only avoided mentioning the Taiwan Strait issue, but also avoided giving direct answers during the follow-up questioning sessions.
Regarding the decision by the United States to postpone a military sales deal worth $14 billion with Taiwan, Haggis also avoided direct comments, saying, As the president said, decisions regarding future arms sales to Taiwan will be made by him and in relation to the relationship between the two countries.
On the 28th, Chinas Ministry of National Defense stated that it firmly opposes the United States sale of weapons to Taiwan. The Chinese sides stance is consistent and clear. The US should adhere to the principle of one China and the provisions of the three joint communiques between China and the US, especially the 817 communique. It must implement the important agreements reached during the meeting between Chinese and American leaders, fulfill its commitments and statements to China, and handle the Taiwan issue with great care. By taking practical actions, China will ensure the stability, health, and sustainable development of relations between China and the US, as well as between their militaries.
