If China invades Taiwan, Chinese forces could take less than an hour to execute a takeover, according to geopolitical expert Dmitri Alperovitch. Alperovitch shared his assessment with NBC News on Monday, May 27, after Chinese military forces conducted extensive drills. Dozens of warships, warplanes and jets participated in the exercises, which could be practice for a potential invasion.
“They’re still going to use amphibious assault ships across the strait,” Alperovitch said. “Each of them can deliver about 800 troops and more importantly, dozens of troop transport helicopters as well as gunships to do an airborne assault. They can reach the ports within 10 to 15 minutes.”
Alperovitch has a notable track record for predicting military actions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In his new book, he argued that China’s invasion of Taiwan would be executed so swiftly that the United States would be unable to respond immediately. He said that Beijing would launch rapid strikes from the both the air and sea.
“So, a lot of people assume that this would be a normal type of Normandy beach landing,” Alperovitch added. “The reality is the terrain does not allow it.”
Following China’s military drills, a U.S. congressional delegation met with Taiwan’s new president on the island. The delegation assured that more U.S. weapons, already purchased by Taiwan, are on their way. The United States is heavily invested in fortifying Taiwan, making it one of the most well-defended areas globally.
China views Taiwan as its sovereign territory, while Taiwan’s president insists that it is an independent nation. Experts warn that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could have significant economic repercussions and potentially lead to a direct conflict between the U.S. and China, given America’s legal obligation to defend Taiwan.
