WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – China wants to conquer Taiwan but does not intend to use military force. However, the United States intelligence chiefs stated Tuesday that they are working hard to reach a situation where their military can prevail even if America intervenes.

China regards Taiwan as a “sacred” land and never abandoned the possibility of using force in order to unify its territory.

Although the United States has not established diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is a major international supporter of Taiwan and arms supplier. This makes Taiwan a source of tension for Washington.

Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence told the Senate Armed Services Committee that “it’s our belief that they (the Chinese), are working hard in order to effectively place themselves into a situation where their military can take Taiwan over our intervention.”

Haines, Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, Director of Defense Intelligence Agency testifying about worldwide threats to U.S. National Security, spoke out to discuss the possible lessons that China could be learning from the War in Ukraine, and the international response.

Haines claimed that the war did not accelerate China’s efforts to take over Taiwan. Berrier claimed that Beijing was unlikely to choose using military force in pursuit of its objectives.

“I think the People’s Republic of China (PRC) would prefer not to use force. Berrier stated that he believes they prefer to do it peacefully and over time.

Berrier claimed that China learned many valuable lessons from the Ukraine conflict. These included the importance leadership and the use of small units, effective training, with the right weapons system and strong non-commissioned officers force.

Berrier stated that U.S. officials should work closely with Taiwan’s leaders and Indo-Pacific partners to understand the conflict and learn from it.

They are largely conscripted. Berrier stated that Taiwan is not where it should be.