China could launch an attack on Taiwan with little or no warning, according to former US defense official Elbridge Colby. Colby, who served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development under President Donald Trump, made these remarks in an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun. He believes that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has abandoned plans for a ‘peaceful unification’ with Taiwan and that an attack could occur with minimal notice. Colby suggests that the US should shift its focus from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to supporting Taiwan and strengthening its own military capabilities to counter Chinese aggression. He also hinted at the potential involvement of US troops and allies in the Asia Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, in such a conflict. While Colby advocates for a stronger stance on Taiwan, he also emphasizes the importance of maintaining support for Europe. However, he maintains that Europe is better equipped to handle threats from Russia on its own, while Asia requires more assistance in facing Chinese threats. Earlier this month, China’s Minister of National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, warned against ‘external forces’ emboldening Taiwan Independence separatists and attempting to contain China through Taiwan. Dong Jun accused these forces of dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.
