Paparo, commander of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, made it clear that if China imposes a naval blockade on Taiwan, not only the United States itself has the ability to break through, but allies also have the ability to break through the blockade.

(Associated Press)

[Compiled by Yang Fuyi/Comprehensive Report] Nikkei Asia reported on the 5th that Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Navy's Pacific Fleet, made it clear in an interview in Hawaii a few days ago that if China imposes a naval blockade on Taiwan, not only the United States itself will With the ability to break through, the allies also have the ability to break through the blockade.

However, an unnamed U.S. defense official warned that Beijing may use the legal cover to cover the illegal and basically block Taiwan by continuously conducting military exercises to conceal its intention to cut off Taiwan's sea lanes.

Paparo: Firepower, advantages in key areas

Paparo told reporters who accompanied Secretary of Defense Austin to Hawaii one day that China certainly has the number and capacity of ships to implement a maritime blockade. The next question is: Will the allies have the ability to break through the blockade?

"The answer is absolutely yes."

He was confident that Washington could break through the blockade even on its own, citing U.S. superiority in munitions and firepower in key areas, possibly referring to nuclear-powered submarines and other underwater forces.

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China conducted a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan in August, a U.S. defense official said, "which has a considerable impact on normal activities", and the line between warning civilian ships before the exercise and imposing a blockade to prevent entry is blurred. ; Washington cannot carry out its mission to break through without a clear conclusion that China has imposed a blockade.

U.S. officials warn Beijing may use military exercises to blockade

The report pointed out that China's question is whether the blockade can achieve its goal of reunifying Taiwan?

Senior Taiwanese officials insist that such coercive measures not only strengthen our people's resolve to defend democracy, but also garner international support for Taiwan.

Jacob Stokes, a researcher at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank, believes that Beijing is unlikely to achieve reunification through a blockade, but Taiwan is highly integrated into global trade and would be vulnerable to such tactics.

U.S. defense officials predict that if the blockade fails, China will raise tensions through other means, such as seizing small islands controlled by Taiwan.

The official said the U.S. military "needs to be deployed forward in theater," in part because of the ability to respond to conflicts in areas like Taiping Island in order to provide U.S. military leaders with options.