China is building its military and nuclear arsenal on a scale not seen since World War II, and all indications are that the country is preparing to invade Taiwan by 2027. This opinion was expressed by the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John Aquilino, reports Bloomberg.

According to him, despite the economic problems in the PRC, the official defense budget of the state has increased by 16% in recent years and amounted to $223 billion. As Aquilino noted, in three years, the Chinese army was replenished with more than 400 fighter jets, 20 large warships, and also doubled its reserves cruise and ballistic missiles.

"All indications are that the Chinese military is carrying out the directive of Chinese President Xi Jinping to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027," the admiral said.

He also emphasized that the Chinese military practiced various tasks related to operations against Taiwan, such as naval and air blockade.

At the same time, Bloomberg, citing American intelligence, writes that China does not want a military conflict over Taiwan, even if it intends to take the island under its control.

"China's unprecedented level of defense spending is paying off. China's military is using modern systems like hypersonic weapons and fifth-generation fighter jets. They can project power into the Pacific with a 340-ship fleet that includes a new aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarines ballistic missile boats," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers.

Also, according to him, China's partnership with Russia is causing concern.