Chinese Whispers

Will Xi invade Taiwan?

Oct 18, 2021
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INSIGHT

China's Four Military Campaigns

  • China has four main military campaign options to take Taiwan: missile strikes, blockade, counter-intervention against US forces, and an amphibious assault.
  • The amphibious assault is the most complex and debated, but under certain conditions, China could succeed in it.
INSIGHT

Conditions for Amphibious Success

  • Success in an amphibious assault depends heavily on the US being unprepared or unable to mount defense in time.
  • China could accept high costs if it believed victory was attainable, prioritizing winning over losses.
INSIGHT

Rapid PLA Modernization Impact

  • China's military has made rapid advances since 1996, improving missile and joint operation capabilities drastically.
  • Organizational reforms now enable the PLA to conduct coordinated joint operations, marking a turning point in Taiwan military considerations.
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