FILE PHOTO: House Intelligence Committee holds hearing on worldwide threats in Washington
* Burns said Xi's ambition towards Taiwan should not be underestimated
* He said the US knew 'as a matter of intelligence' of the Chinese leader's order
China's President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, the director of the CIA has warned.
Speaking on Thursday, William Burns said Xi's ambitions toward Taiwan should not be underestimated, despite him likely being sobered by the performance of Russia's military in Ukraine, which has suffered several embarrassing setbacks.
Burns said the United States knew 'as a matter of intelligence' that Xi had ordered his military to be ready to invade the island in four years' time.
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WNU Editor: China has responded to the CIA Director's remarks (see video below). More reaction from China .... US hypes spy balloon, brings ‘China threat’ to new level (Global Times).
CIA Director Burns Says Chinese President Xi Has Ordered The Military To Be Ready For Taiwan Invasion By 2027
China's Xi has ordered military to be ready for Taiwan invasion by 2027, CIA Director Burns says -- FOX News
CIA chief warns against underestimating Xi's ambitions toward Taiwan -- Reuters
CIA: Xi ordered military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027 -- NHK
Xi ‘orders China to prepare for war’ -- News.com.au