Taiwan has a potential date mentioned for a Chinese invasion, according to a document of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry, which informed the national legislature of planned war games. The document suggests that Beijing might attempt an invasion of the island republic in 2027.
It appears unusual that the plan of the annual Han-Kuang war games speculates on the time of a possible Chinese invasion, as noted by Bloomberg News. According to the publication, such mentions of a specific date in the relevant documents have not been made in at least the past ten years. Despite this, Defense Minister Wellington Koo downplayed the setting of a date, stating that the timing of the Han-Kuang exercises is usually one or two years in advance, as the procurement of new weapons and repeated exercises for verification are required.
The mention of a potential date this time could be a tactic to influence the Taiwanese parliament, argued Jack Chen, director of the interest group “Formosa Defense Vision”, to Bloomberg. The opposition parties in the Taiwanese legislature are currently questioning certain plans for military expenditures. The prospect of a Chinese invasion in two years might convince them that the increase in the military budget is urgently necessary, Chen said.
In October 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the military to comprehensively strengthen war preparations and ensure the reliable combat readiness of the troops. Furthermore, Beijing expressed “grave dissatisfaction” with the US over weapon deliveries to Taiwan. Washington, while supporting the One-China principle, considers the status of Taiwan as unresolved and promises the island protection if mainland China attempts an invasion.