Tokyo [Japan], April 25 (HBTV): Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, has said that China aims to have the capability to invade Taiwan by 2027, Nikkei Asia reported.  

Speaking to Nikkei Asia, Admiral Aquilino noted that the timeline is based on Chinese President Xi Jinping asking "his military to be prepared if tasked to execute in 2027." He made the remarks to Nikkei and other outlets while visiting Japan on Tuesday.   

He said that the US did not come up with the date. Aquilino voiced concern over China's military buildup and its growing provocations against Taiwan, according to Nikkei Asia.  

Aquilino said, "Despite a failing economy, there is a conscious decision to fund military capability," adding that he believes China will continue to spend significant resources on the military even in the face of greater economic headwinds, according to Nikkei Asia report.  

Aquilino slammed China for providing semiconductors and other dual-use products to Russia, backing Moscow's military action in Kyiv. He said that China has argued that firms are selling these products which are "separate from the government supporting" Russia. However, he rejected China's argument and pointed out to the fusion between China's military and civilian sectors, Nikkei Asia reported.  

In the South China Sea, Chinese government vessels in recent months have been involved in provocative activity near the Philippine-controlled Second Thomas Shoal. Aquilino said escalating actions by China could "generate the need to activate the mutual defense treaty" between the US and the Philippines.

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.