China May Not Be Ready to Invade Taiwan Next Year Despite Historical Vow: US Assessment

Two current U.S. officials pointed to problems with China's military readiness and Beijing's interest in Taiwan's 2028 presidential election as key factors behind the delay of the invasion of Taiwan. (Credit: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)

U.S. officials increasingly believe China is unlikely to invade Taiwan before 2028 despite Chinese President Xi Jinping's longstanding directive for the People's Liberation Army to be capable of taking the island by force by 2027, according to a new report.

Two current U.S. officials, a former U.S. official and another person familiar with U.S. thinking pointed to problems with China's military readiness and Beijing's interest in Taiwan's 2028 presidential election as key factors behind the assessment, according to Reuters.