In depth: US and China’s complex arms race over Taiwan
Long-range unmanned surface vessels (LRUSVs) transit the Pacific Ocean during the Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 24.1 in March 2024. (Photo: Ian Delossantos/US Navy)
The US and China have been engaging in a complex game of mutual deterrence over Taiwan in a race that features a bewildering range of different equipment.
Contents
- China prepares for 2027
- US launches Replicator programme
- US and Taiwan accelerate drone deployments
- After the swarms
- China claims it can counter US drone swarms and conventional units
- China’s hybrid warfare assets
China prepares for 2027
China’s President Xi Jinping has tasked the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with developing the capability to be able to invade the self-ruled island of Taiwan by 2027, according to Admiral John Aquilino, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
Speaking to press in April 2024, Aquilino said China had continued a military build-up and increased air and sea intrusions into Taiwanese-controlled airspace and
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