US Warns Of China-Russia Collaboration For Possible Taiwan Invasion - Report

US intelligence officials have assessed that Russia and China are working more closely together on military issues, including the potential invasion of Taiwan, which has prompted new planning across the government to counter a potential scenario in which the countries fight in coordination, as reported by Hindustan Times citing Bloomberg report.

During testimony to Congress on Thursday, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines indicated that China and Russia are exercising together about Taiwan and are recognized as cooperating in this area.

China-Russia Collaboration For Possible Taiwan Invasion; US Warns

Republican Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota inquired about this potential scenario during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee and asked the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency about the Pentagon's planning for such a possibility. Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse responded that the Defense Department has become increasingly concerned about joint force requirements in an environment where Russia and China would be cooperative, and this needs to be taken into account, as reported by Bloomberg.

Rounds emphasized that if there were a conflict with one of these countries, it would likely involve a second front, affecting planning, equipment, and manpower needs. Haines acknowledged that while it is a possibility, the likelihood depends on the scenario.

Haines also noted that intelligence assessments indicate there is increasing cooperation in the 'no-limits' partnership between Russia and China across various sectors of society: political, economic, military, technological, and others, as per media report.

Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan Reported, Following US Secretary of State Visit

Chinese military activity is very frequent over Taiwan and they have violated the borders also. There have been several instances of military drills conducted over Taiwan's International borders. However, the most recent was following the US Secretary of State's Visit.

New Chinese military activity near Taiwan was reported on Saturday, April 27, with 12 Chinese aircraft detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his visit to China. While lacking formal diplomatic ties, Taiwan remains a key international supporter and arms importer for the US, as reported by WION.

During his visit to China, emphasis was placed by US Secretary of State Blinken on the vital need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This comes amidst increased military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, a claim vehemently rejected by Taiwan.

According to Taiwan's defence ministry, at 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday, 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, were detected, with 12 crossing the median line into Taiwan's north and centre. The median line in the Taiwan Strait, which once acted as an unspoken barrier respected by both China and Taiwan, is now routinely crossed by China's air force, despite denying its legitimacy, as reported by WION.

While well-equipped and well-trained, Taiwan's armed forces are dwarfed by China's, particularly in terms of navy and air force capabilities, which respond almost daily to Chinese missions. China views Taiwan as the most critical issue in its relations with the United States and has consistently demanded an end to US weapons sales to Taiwan.

Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te is set to take office on May 20 after winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous separatist and has rejected his repeated calls for talks. On Thursday, April 26, Lai stated that China should have the self-assurance to engage with Taiwan's elected government, emphasizing that only Taiwan's people can determine their future, as per media reports.