U.S. officials increasingly believe a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is unlikely, despite Xi Jinping’s goal for the PLA to be capable of taking the island by force by 2027.

Officials cited military readiness delays caused partly by Xi’s anti-corruption campaign and Beijing’s interest in Taiwan’s 2028 election.

Some Chinese officials reportedly hope it could produce a government more open to closer ties with Beijing.

U.S. officials also believe China has learned from the wars in Ukraine and Iran that any attack would need to be rapid and avoid becoming a prolonged conflict.

Source: Reuters