US Indo-PACOM Commander Called Chinese Exercises “Rehearsal” For Taiwan Attack

By Jim Morris, Warrior Vice President, News 

The new head of the US Indo-Pacific Command said China sent a very clear message with its recent military exercises surrounding Taiwan.

Admiral Samuel Paparo told Japan’s Nikkei news service that the drills “looked like a rehearsal” for an invasion of the island.

“We watched it. We took note. We learned from it. And they helped us prepare for the future,” Paparo said.

China has been ramping up pressure against Taiwan for several years. But last week’s maneuvers were seen as an escalation. Some experts have said that if Beijing moves against the island, it might begin with a blockade or quarantine. Last Friday, China released a video showing an animation of Taiwan being enclosed within a circular target area while simulated missiles hit key targets.

US-China War Scenario

The exercises began three days after the inauguration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who is loathed by Beijing for being a champion of democracy. And just days after the drills ended, a US congressional delegation visited Taiwan, telling the new president that long-promised weapons are on their way.