U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander, Admiral Sam.

Papalo (pictured) said the United States and its allies would have the ability to break the blockade if China imposed a maritime blockade of Taiwan.

(File photo of the Associated Press and Euronews; synthesized by this newspaper)

[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] China has the largest number of navy ships in the world, and in early August carried out a military exercise on the island of Taiwan.

However, according to a report by Nikkei Asia on the 5th, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Sam.

Sam Paparo told reporters in Hawaii last week that the United States and its allies would be able to break through the blockade if China imposed a naval blockade against Taiwan.

"China certainly has a sufficient number of warships and the ability to enforce a naval blockade," Papalo told reporters, according to the report. "The next question is, 'Do allies have the ability to break the blockade?' The answer is yes."

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Papallo stressed that even Washington alone can do this because the United States has significant firepower and advantages in key areas, alluding to nuclear submarines and other underwater forces.

But a U.S. defense official worries that China could use other means to cut off sea lanes with Taiwan while concealing its intentions.

China conducted live-fire military exercises around the island of Taiwan in August, during which 11 missiles were fired, forcing civilian ships and planes to change course.

However, the line between warning civilian ships to keep them safe before a military exercise begins and imposing a maritime blockade to keep them out is rather blurry.

"You can fundamentally block Taiwan in a way that is legal, safe, and difficult for Taiwan or the United States to challenge and fight back," the official said.