Commentary Last week the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, testified in the U.S. Senate that China has “a ways to go” before it can take Taiwan by military force. In other words, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) isn’t capable of it yet. The Secretary of Defense, retired-General Lloyd Austin testifying at the same hearing, seconded Milley’s assessment. The two Generals appear less worried than two top Navy admirals who testified before Congress several months ago. Outgoing USINDOPACOM commander, Admiral Philip Davidson warned of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2027. His successor, Admiral John Aquilino said it could happen “much sooner.” Analysts differ on whether the PLA is now capable of launching a successful assault on Taiwan. Some say it can and some say it can’t. Skeptics point to a lack of ‘lift’ (ships needed to get across the Taiwan Strait); inadequate ‘joint’ capability (the ability …