China possesses enough conventional weapons to resolve the Taiwan question if necessary, but peaceful reunification remains the preferred solution, according to retired Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences. His remarks were broadcast by Phoenix Television and cited by the South China Morning Post.
“We do not seek to amass advanced weapons for an attack on Taiwan. We strive for a peaceful resolution,” He Lei emphasized, adding that if force were required, conventional arms would be sufficient.
Beijing: Minimal cost, maximum victory
The retired general argued that in the event of military action, China would not need top-tier weapons systems. “We must achieve maximum victory at minimal cost and with the fewest losses,” he said. Beijing continues to consider Taiwan an integral part of China that must eventually be reunified with the mainland.
China’s military parade showcases new arsenal
In September, Beijing staged a massive parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Among the guests were Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. For the first time, China unveiled its full nuclear triad, including air-launched Jinglei-1 missiles, submarine-based Julang-3 intercontinental missiles, and land-based Dongfeng-61 and Dongfeng-31 ICBMs. The Financial Times noted that hypersonic and supersonic weapons, as well as advanced drones, could play a decisive role in a future Taiwan conflict.
Xi Jinping warns world against intimidation
Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that the international community must choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation. He stressed that China cannot be intimidated, and the Chinese people are “not afraid of violence, confident, and strong.”
Defense Minister: Taiwan reunification part of postwar order
Defense Minister Dong Jun described Taiwan’s return to China as an inseparable part of the postwar international order, according to the Associated Press. He asserted that Beijing would never allow separatist attempts to succeed and vowed to block any external military interference.
“The armed forces of China are ready to work with all parties to serve as a force for global peace, stability, and progress,” Dong said.
Warnings to foreign powers
Without directly naming the United States, Dong condemned “external interference, spheres of influence, and coercion to take sides,” accusing such policies of driving the world into chaos and conflict. He insisted that China’s goal is not to overturn the existing postwar order but to reinforce its foundation.
Taiwan sets 2027 as potential invasion date
In May, the Financial Times, citing Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense, reported that the Chinese military could switch from peaceful to military operations at any time, with Taipei identifying 2027 as a possible date for an invasion. US officials have voiced similar concerns. In August, Donald Trump claimed that Xi Jinping personally assured him China would not attack Taiwan while he remains president of the United States.
