The Trump administration has informed Congress that China is preparing to “fight and win a war against Taiwan by the end of 2027.” The annual report submitted by the Department of Defense (DoD) indicates that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s armed force, functions as a “key element” in Beijing’s strategy to challenge the United States’ position as the world’s leading power.
The text indicates that Beijing plans several military actions to force Taiwan to accept unification imposed by force. Among the measures envisaged are “an amphibious invasion, firing and possibly a maritime blockade”.
The report details that, throughout 2024, Chinese military exercises included tests aimed at “blocking access to key ports” and targeting US forces in the Pacific.
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The DoD describes China’s military strategy as being based on a broad national effort, dubbed a “total national war,” encompassing military, economic, technological, cyber, and public influence instruments.
The report links the 2027 goal to three core capabilities: “decisive strategic victory,” “strategic counterweight” – with an emphasis on nuclear power – and “strategic deterrence and control” over countries in the region.
Risk to US infrastructure
The presentation to Congress says the United States faces growing vulnerability, noting that “China’s historic military buildup has left the American homeland increasingly vulnerable.”
The report said that in 2024, a Chinese-promoted cyberespionage operation “buried itself into U.S. critical infrastructure,” allowing access to systems considered essential.
The document adds that China has the capacity to cause “the disruption of a natural gas pipeline in the continental United States – for days or even weeks.”
The report said China’s operational reach already allows attacks “1,500-2,000 nautical miles from the mainland.”
Geopolitical implications
The report notes that pressure on Taiwan could intensify if Beijing sees the United States as explicitly supporting the island. In a possible conflict, China would seek to create “disruptive and destructive effects to shape decisions and disrupt military operations.”
The document adds that the United States does not intend to “strangle, dominate or humiliate China,” but to “deny the ability of any country in the Indo-Pacific to dominate the United States or our allies.”
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