🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 51 (from laksa168)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa051.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/19/asia/china-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/19/asia/china-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2026\/03\/19\/asia\/china-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk","crawl_time":1773970683,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,cnn!www,\/2026\/03\/19\/asia\/china-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk s443","src_root_hash":"2312100192101524051","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The US is re-evaluating the threat of Chinese military action in Taiwan | CNN","meta_descriptions":["Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Taipei, Taiwan\n — \nRecent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely.\nAn annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.\n“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.\nIn 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command, said China wanted to be ready to invade Taiwan in the next six years. The premise that Beijing could take action in 2027 became known as the “Davidson window,” fueling greater urgency in Taiwan’s military reform.\nThe updated analysis comes as President Donald Trump has sought to postpone an important meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which one of the top priorities was expected to be US policy toward Taiwan.\nChina’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, despite having never controlled Taiwan, as part of its plan for “national rejuvenation.”\nWhile the US does not maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and has long declined to say whether it will send military support in event of conflict, Chinese officials have previously criticized the US as interfering in its internal affairs on Taiwan, and have condemned proposed arms sales that could total $25 billion.\nChina has also often emphasized its preference for peaceful unification. Still, the growing frequency of Chinese military incursions around the island and worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei have raised fears that Xi might ultimately resort to force.\nAsked about the most recent US intelligence assessment on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian urged US institutions to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.”\n“How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any foreign forces,” said Lin in a regular press briefing.\nWhile the latest US assessment mitigates previous assumptions, analysts said it won’t significantly impact efforts by the US, China and Taiwan to prepare for the possibility of conflict.\nThe 2026 report said China’s military is still making “steady but uneven progress on capabilities that it would use in any attempt to seize Taiwan and deter – and, if necessary, defeat – U.S. military intervention.”\nIn Taiwan, which has extended its conscription mandates and increased defense spending, confidence in US military support in the event of war with China has waned since Trump took office.\nA senior security official in Taiwan, though, told CNN the revised US assessment does not mean the threat had ceased. “In addition to ongoing political interference and united front operations, China continues to adjust its expansionist objectives and timeline,” the official said, adding that Beijing was “recalibrating its approach based on changes in deterrence posture by the US and its allies in the global geopolitical landscape.”\nThe escalating attacks on Iran – to which Trump is now considering deploying thousands of US troops, according to the Reuters news agency – could also draw attention and resources away from security in Asia.\n“Taiwan still views China’s growing military capabilities and the implications extending from US military adventurism, as demonstrated by the Trump administration’s military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, as a sign that great powers may increasingly believe ‘might is right,’” said William Yang, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.\nAt the same time, China’s appetite for conflict has likely been dampened by struggles to support its slowing domestic economy, as well as a string of dismissals in the top echelons of its own military.\n“In purging the highest levels of the military, the leadership has effectively set aside the option of an invasion for at least the next two years,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director for Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting firm. “Beijing continues to see the cost of an invasion as too high in the near term because it has the potential to derail the country’s development, the leadership’s top priority.”\nThis article has been updated with additional information.\nCNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting","attrs_markdown":"Ad Feedback\n\nThank You\\!\n\nYour effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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Taiwan, on January 8, 2025.\n\nAnn Wang\/Reuters\n\nAsia\n\nChina\n\nDonald Trump\n\n[See all topics](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow)\n\nFacebook\n\nTweet\n\n[Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F03%2F19%2Fasia%2Fchina-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk \"Share with email\")\n\nLink\n\nThreads\n\nLink Copied\\!\n\nFollow\n\nTaipei, Taiwan —\n\nRecent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely.\n\nAn annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.\n\n“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.\n\nIn 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command, said China wanted to be ready to invade Taiwan in the next six years. The premise that Beijing could take action in 2027 became known as the “Davidson window,” fueling greater urgency in Taiwan’s military reform.\n\nThe updated analysis comes as President Donald Trump has sought to postpone an important meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which one of the top priorities was expected to be US policy toward Taiwan.\n\nChina’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, despite having never controlled Taiwan, as part of its plan for “national rejuvenation.”\n\nWhile the US does not maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and has long declined to say whether it will send military support in event of conflict, Chinese officials have previously criticized the US as interfering in its internal affairs on Taiwan, and have condemned proposed arms sales that could total \\$25 billion.\n\nChina has also often emphasized its preference for peaceful unification. Still, the growing frequency of Chinese military incursions around the island and worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei have raised fears that Xi might ultimately resort to force.\n\nAsked about the most recent US intelligence assessment on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian urged US institutions to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.”\n\n“How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any foreign forces,” said Lin in a regular press briefing.\n\n## Preparing for war\n![A reservist joins a pre-combat training during the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 11, 2025](https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/gettyimages-2224569315.jpg?c=original&q=w_860,c_fill)\n\nA reservist joins a pre-combat training during the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 11, 2025\n\nAnnabelle Chih\/Getty Images\n\nWhile the latest US assessment mitigates previous assumptions, analysts said it won’t significantly impact efforts by the US, China and Taiwan to prepare for the possibility of conflict.\n\nThe 2026 report said China’s military is still making “steady but uneven progress on capabilities that it would use in any attempt to seize Taiwan and deter – and, if necessary, defeat – U.S. military intervention.”\n\nIn Taiwan, which has extended its conscription mandates and increased defense spending, confidence in US military support in the event of war with China has waned since Trump took office.\n\nA senior security official in Taiwan, though, told CNN the revised US assessment does not mean the threat had ceased. “In addition to ongoing political interference and united front operations, China continues to adjust its expansionist objectives and timeline,” the official said, adding that Beijing was “recalibrating its approach based on changes in deterrence posture by the US and its allies in the global geopolitical landscape.”\n\nThe escalating attacks on Iran – to which Trump is now considering deploying thousands of US troops, according to the Reuters news agency – could also draw attention and resources away from security in Asia.\n\n“Taiwan still views China’s growing military capabilities and the implications extending from US military adventurism, as demonstrated by the Trump administration’s military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, as a sign that great powers may increasingly believe ‘might is right,’” said William Yang, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.\n\nAt the same time, China’s appetite for conflict has likely been dampened by struggles to support its slowing domestic economy, as well as a string of dismissals in the top echelons of its own military.\n\n“In purging the highest levels of the military, the leadership has effectively set aside the option of an invasion for at least the next two years,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director for Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting firm. “Beijing continues to see the cost of an invasion as too high in the near term because it has the potential to derail the country’s development, the leadership’s top priority.”\n\n*This article has been updated with additional information.*\n\nCNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting\n\nAsia\n\nChina\n\nDonald Trump\n\n[See all topics](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow)\n\nFacebook\n\nTweet\n\n[Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F03%2F19%2Fasia%2Fchina-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk \"Share with email\")\n\nLink\n\nThreads\n\nLink Copied\\!\n\nFollow\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\nSubscribe\n***\nSign in\n\nMy Account\n\n- [Settings](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/account\/settings)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n- [Topics you follow](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow?iid=fw_var-nav)\n- [Sign out](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2026\/03\/19\/asia\/china-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk)\n\nYour CNN account Sign in to your CNN account\n***\n[Listen](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/audio)   [Watch](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/watch)\n***\n- [US](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/us)\n  - 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A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.   \n CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/google-play-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/app-store-cnn-app-qr-code.png)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Taipei, Taiwan —\n\nRecent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely.\n\nAn annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.\n\n“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.\n\nIn 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command, said China wanted to be ready to invade Taiwan in the next six years. The premise that Beijing could take action in 2027 became known as the “Davidson window,” fueling greater urgency in Taiwan’s military reform.\n\nThe updated analysis comes as President Donald Trump has sought to postpone an important meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which one of the top priorities was expected to be US policy toward Taiwan.\n\nChina’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, despite having never controlled Taiwan, as part of its plan for “national rejuvenation.”\n\nWhile the US does not maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and has long declined to say whether it will send military support in event of conflict, Chinese officials have previously criticized the US as interfering in its internal affairs on Taiwan, and have condemned proposed arms sales that could total \\$25 billion.\n\nChina has also often emphasized its preference for peaceful unification. Still, the growing frequency of Chinese military incursions around the island and worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei have raised fears that Xi might ultimately resort to force.\n\nAsked about the most recent US intelligence assessment on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian urged US institutions to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.”\n\n“How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any foreign forces,” said Lin in a regular press briefing.\n\n![A reservist joins a pre-combat training during the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 11, 2025](https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/gettyimages-2224569315.jpg?c=original&q=w_860,c_fill)\n\nWhile the latest US assessment mitigates previous assumptions, analysts said it won’t significantly impact efforts by the US, China and Taiwan to prepare for the possibility of conflict.\n\nThe 2026 report said China’s military is still making “steady but uneven progress on capabilities that it would use in any attempt to seize Taiwan and deter – and, if necessary, defeat – U.S. military intervention.”\n\nIn Taiwan, which has extended its conscription mandates and increased defense spending, confidence in US military support in the event of war with China has waned since Trump took office.\n\nA senior security official in Taiwan, though, told CNN the revised US assessment does not mean the threat had ceased. “In addition to ongoing political interference and united front operations, China continues to adjust its expansionist objectives and timeline,” the official said, adding that Beijing was “recalibrating its approach based on changes in deterrence posture by the US and its allies in the global geopolitical landscape.”\n\nThe escalating attacks on Iran – to which Trump is now considering deploying thousands of US troops, according to the Reuters news agency – could also draw attention and resources away from security in Asia.\n\n“Taiwan still views China’s growing military capabilities and the implications extending from US military adventurism, as demonstrated by the Trump administration’s military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, as a sign that great powers may increasingly believe ‘might is right,’” said William Yang, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.\n\nAt the same time, China’s appetite for conflict has likely been dampened by struggles to support its slowing domestic economy, as well as a string of dismissals in the top echelons of its own military.\n\n“In purging the highest levels of the military, the leadership has effectively set aside the option of an invasion for at least the next two years,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director for Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting firm. “Beijing continues to see the cost of an invasion as too high in the near term because it has the potential to derail the country’s development, the leadership’s top priority.”\n\n*This article has been updated with additional information.*\n\nCNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	The US is re-evaluating the threat of Chinese military action in Taiwan \| CNN
Meta Description	Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely.
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Boilerpipe Text	Taipei, Taiwan — Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely. An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes. “Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army. In 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command, said China wanted to be ready to invade Taiwan in the next six years. The premise that Beijing could take action in 2027 became known as the “Davidson window,” fueling greater urgency in Taiwan’s military reform. The updated analysis comes as President Donald Trump has sought to postpone an important meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which one of the top priorities was expected to be US policy toward Taiwan. China’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, despite having never controlled Taiwan, as part of its plan for “national rejuvenation.” While the US does not maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and has long declined to say whether it will send military support in event of conflict, Chinese officials have previously criticized the US as interfering in its internal affairs on Taiwan, and have condemned proposed arms sales that could total $25 billion. China has also often emphasized its preference for peaceful unification. Still, the growing frequency of Chinese military incursions around the island and worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei have raised fears that Xi might ultimately resort to force. Asked about the most recent US intelligence assessment on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian urged US institutions to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.” “How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any foreign forces,” said Lin in a regular press briefing. While the latest US assessment mitigates previous assumptions, analysts said it won’t significantly impact efforts by the US, China and Taiwan to prepare for the possibility of conflict. The 2026 report said China’s military is still making “steady but uneven progress on capabilities that it would use in any attempt to seize Taiwan and deter – and, if necessary, defeat – U.S. military intervention.” In Taiwan, which has extended its conscription mandates and increased defense spending, confidence in US military support in the event of war with China has waned since Trump took office. A senior security official in Taiwan, though, told CNN the revised US assessment does not mean the threat had ceased. “In addition to ongoing political interference and united front operations, China continues to adjust its expansionist objectives and timeline,” the official said, adding that Beijing was “recalibrating its approach based on changes in deterrence posture by the US and its allies in the global geopolitical landscape.” The escalating attacks on Iran – to which Trump is now considering deploying thousands of US troops, according to the Reuters news agency – could also draw attention and resources away from security in Asia. “Taiwan still views China’s growing military capabilities and the implications extending from US military adventurism, as demonstrated by the Trump administration’s military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, as a sign that great powers may increasingly believe ‘might is right,’” said William Yang, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group. At the same time, China’s appetite for conflict has likely been dampened by struggles to support its slowing domestic economy, as well as a string of dismissals in the top echelons of its own military. “In purging the highest levels of the military, the leadership has effectively set aside the option of an invasion for at least the next two years,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director for Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting firm. “Beijing continues to see the cost of an invasion as too high in the near term because it has the potential to derail the country’s development, the leadership’s top priority.” This article has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting
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[Subscribe](https://www.cnn.com/subscription?source=sub_web_footersubnav-link) - [Photos](https://www.cnn.com/world/photos) - [Investigations](https://www.cnn.com/us/cnn-investigates) - [CNN Profiles](https://www.cnn.com/profiles) - [CNN Leadership](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/cnn-leadership) - [CNN Newsletters](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters) - [Work for CNN](https://careers.wbd.com/cnnjobs) * Download the CNN App [World](https://www.cnn.com/world) [Asia](https://www.cnn.com/world/asia) 4 min read # The US is re-evaluating the threat of Chinese military action in Taiwan By Stephanie Yang Updated Mar 19, 2026, 6:43 AM ET Published Mar 19, 2026, 4:14 AM ET Updated Mar 19, 2026, 6:43 AM ET PUBLISHED Mar 19, 2026, 4:14 AM ET ![A soldier looks on near a launching station of the Patriot system as the Taiwan military holds an annual exercise in Taichung, Taiwan, on January 8, 2025.](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/2025-01-08t055537z-1442326192-rc2e5ca7hzzp-rtrmadp-3-taiwan-defence.JPG?c=original&q=w_860,c_fill) A soldier looks on near a launching station of the Patriot system as the Taiwan military holds an annual exercise in Taichung, Taiwan, on January 8, 2025. Ann Wang/Reuters Asia China Donald Trump [See all topics](https://www.cnn.com/follow) Facebook Tweet [Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F03%2F19%2Fasia%2Fchina-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk "Share with email") Link Threads Link Copied\! Follow Taipei, Taiwan — Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely. An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes. “Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army. In 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command, said China wanted to be ready to invade Taiwan in the next six years. The premise that Beijing could take action in 2027 became known as the “Davidson window,” fueling greater urgency in Taiwan’s military reform. The updated analysis comes as President Donald Trump has sought to postpone an important meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which one of the top priorities was expected to be US policy toward Taiwan. China’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, despite having never controlled Taiwan, as part of its plan for “national rejuvenation.” While the US does not maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and has long declined to say whether it will send military support in event of conflict, Chinese officials have previously criticized the US as interfering in its internal affairs on Taiwan, and have condemned proposed arms sales that could total \$25 billion. China has also often emphasized its preference for peaceful unification. Still, the growing frequency of Chinese military incursions around the island and worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei have raised fears that Xi might ultimately resort to force. Asked about the most recent US intelligence assessment on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian urged US institutions to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.” “How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any foreign forces,” said Lin in a regular press briefing. ## Preparing for war ![A reservist joins a pre-combat training during the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 11, 2025](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-2224569315.jpg?c=original&q=w_860,c_fill) A reservist joins a pre-combat training during the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 11, 2025 Annabelle Chih/Getty Images While the latest US assessment mitigates previous assumptions, analysts said it won’t significantly impact efforts by the US, China and Taiwan to prepare for the possibility of conflict. The 2026 report said China’s military is still making “steady but uneven progress on capabilities that it would use in any attempt to seize Taiwan and deter – and, if necessary, defeat – U.S. military intervention.” In Taiwan, which has extended its conscription mandates and increased defense spending, confidence in US military support in the event of war with China has waned since Trump took office. A senior security official in Taiwan, though, told CNN the revised US assessment does not mean the threat had ceased. “In addition to ongoing political interference and united front operations, China continues to adjust its expansionist objectives and timeline,” the official said, adding that Beijing was “recalibrating its approach based on changes in deterrence posture by the US and its allies in the global geopolitical landscape.” The escalating attacks on Iran – to which Trump is now considering deploying thousands of US troops, according to the Reuters news agency – could also draw attention and resources away from security in Asia. “Taiwan still views China’s growing military capabilities and the implications extending from US military adventurism, as demonstrated by the Trump administration’s military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, as a sign that great powers may increasingly believe ‘might is right,’” said William Yang, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group. At the same time, China’s appetite for conflict has likely been dampened by struggles to support its slowing domestic economy, as well as a string of dismissals in the top echelons of its own military. “In purging the highest levels of the military, the leadership has effectively set aside the option of an invasion for at least the next two years,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director for Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting firm. “Beijing continues to see the cost of an invasion as too high in the near term because it has the potential to derail the country’s development, the leadership’s top priority.” This article has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting Asia China Donald Trump [See all topics](https://www.cnn.com/follow) Facebook Tweet [Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F03%2F19%2Fasia%2Fchina-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk "Share with email") Link Threads Link Copied\! 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Readable Markdown	Taipei, Taiwan — Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely. An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes. “Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army. In 2021, Admiral Philip Davidson, then in charge of the Indo-Pacific Command, said China wanted to be ready to invade Taiwan in the next six years. The premise that Beijing could take action in 2027 became known as the “Davidson window,” fueling greater urgency in Taiwan’s military reform. The updated analysis comes as President Donald Trump has sought to postpone an important meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which one of the top priorities was expected to be US policy toward Taiwan. China’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, despite having never controlled Taiwan, as part of its plan for “national rejuvenation.” While the US does not maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and has long declined to say whether it will send military support in event of conflict, Chinese officials have previously criticized the US as interfering in its internal affairs on Taiwan, and have condemned proposed arms sales that could total \$25 billion. China has also often emphasized its preference for peaceful unification. Still, the growing frequency of Chinese military incursions around the island and worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei have raised fears that Xi might ultimately resort to force. Asked about the most recent US intelligence assessment on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian urged US institutions to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.” “How to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any foreign forces,” said Lin in a regular press briefing. ![A reservist joins a pre-combat training during the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 11, 2025](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-2224569315.jpg?c=original&q=w_860,c_fill) While the latest US assessment mitigates previous assumptions, analysts said it won’t significantly impact efforts by the US, China and Taiwan to prepare for the possibility of conflict. The 2026 report said China’s military is still making “steady but uneven progress on capabilities that it would use in any attempt to seize Taiwan and deter – and, if necessary, defeat – U.S. military intervention.” In Taiwan, which has extended its conscription mandates and increased defense spending, confidence in US military support in the event of war with China has waned since Trump took office. A senior security official in Taiwan, though, told CNN the revised US assessment does not mean the threat had ceased. “In addition to ongoing political interference and united front operations, China continues to adjust its expansionist objectives and timeline,” the official said, adding that Beijing was “recalibrating its approach based on changes in deterrence posture by the US and its allies in the global geopolitical landscape.” The escalating attacks on Iran – to which Trump is now considering deploying thousands of US troops, according to the Reuters news agency – could also draw attention and resources away from security in Asia. “Taiwan still views China’s growing military capabilities and the implications extending from US military adventurism, as demonstrated by the Trump administration’s military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, as a sign that great powers may increasingly believe ‘might is right,’” said William Yang, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group. At the same time, China’s appetite for conflict has likely been dampened by struggles to support its slowing domestic economy, as well as a string of dismissals in the top echelons of its own military. “In purging the highest levels of the military, the leadership has effectively set aside the option of an invasion for at least the next two years,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director for Eurasia Group, a political risk consulting firm. “Beijing continues to see the cost of an invasion as too high in the near term because it has the potential to derail the country’s development, the leadership’s top priority.” This article has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Wayne Chang contributed reporting
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