Senior Pentagon officials testified before Congress on Tuesday, providing the latest assessment of China's military capabilities and the potential risks and challenges of a blockade or invasion of Taiwan. Ely Ratner, the US assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, stated that it would be a "huge miscalculation" for China to try to cut off the island. Ratner emphasized that Taiwan would have options on its own and with the international community to ensure the delivery of critical resources in the event of a blockade. He also warned of the risk of escalation, as China would have to consider attacking commercial maritime vessels.

Major General Joseph McGee, vice director for strategy, planning, and policies of the Pentagon's Joint Staff, also expressed doubts about the feasibility of a blockade. He stated that military options are often easier to talk about than to actually execute. McGee highlighted the complexity of a combined amphibious and airborne assault operation, which would be required for a successful invasion of Taiwan. However, despite the challenges, China has been increasing its presence in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's defence ministry recently reported a record number of Chinese military aircraft operating near the island.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly ordered his nation's armed forces to be prepared to invade Taiwan by 2027. The US officials also discussed the importance of maintaining strategic ambiguity in US policy towards Taiwan. Ratner argued that a shift towards strategic clarity could increase political tensions and make conflict more likely. He stressed the need to uphold the long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity to deter any potential aggression from China.

In conclusion, while China may be considering a blockade or invasion of Taiwan, the Pentagon officials testified that it would be a challenging endeavor with significant risks and uncertainties. Taiwan has options to ensure the delivery of critical resources, and a military invasion would require a complex operation that might not succeed. The US officials also emphasized the importance of maintaining strategic ambiguity in US policy towards Taiwan to deter potential aggression.