Escalation around Taiwan: China boosts military readiness
By Samir Muradov
The intensifying situation in
the Taiwan Strait has
once again come into the spotlight following Chinese President Xi
Jinping's call for enhanced military preparedness. Xi urged the People's
Liberation Army (PLA) to boost combat capabilities and heighten
readiness for potential military actions. His remarks came after
large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, underscoring the Chinese
government's growing resolve regarding its territorial claims on the
island, as reported by AFP.
During a recent visit to a PLA Rocket Force base, Xi called on the
troops to "comprehensively strengthen training and preparations for
war," as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. He emphasized the need to
develop robust combat capabilities and enhance strategic deterrence,
stating that the forces must be prepared to defend the nation's core
interests.
This focus on military readiness follows a series of provocative Chinese
exercises, including recent displays of power involving fighter jets,
drones, and naval vessels encircling Taiwan. It marked the fourth round
of such military operations in the past two years, with the Chinese
Communist Party maintaining its stance: the use of military force to
assert control over
Taiwan remains on the table.
The historical roots of this conflict trace back to China's civil war in
1949, when nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek retreated to
Taiwan after being defeated by Mao Zedong's communists. Since then,
Taiwan has maintained its autonomy, but Beijing views the island as a
breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland.
However, in recent months, the tone from Chinese leadership has shifted
from showing force to issuing warnings. Xi accused the United States of
trying to mislead China and provoke it into aggression against Taiwan.
In April 2023, during a meeting with European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen, he remarked that Washington had attempted to push
Beijing into attacking Taiwan, but China "did not take the bait."
According to sources cited by the Financial Times, Xi stressed that any
potential conflict could undo all of China's achievements in recent
years.
Other representatives of Chinese diplomacy have echoed Xi's sentiments.
Former Chinese ambassador to the U.S., Cui Tiankai, said at an Asian
conference that China "will not fall into a trap that someone may be
setting for us." Additionally, sources from the Financial Times reported
that Xi informed his officials about the suspected intentions of the
U.S., reinforcing his warning that Beijing has no interest in getting
drawn into provocations.
In this context, Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at
King's College London, told Business Insider, "Xi's warning is a sign
that China is genuinely surprised and shocked by America's aggressive
approach." This element of surprise towards U.S. actions underscores
Beijing's growing concern over Washington's strategic intentions in the
region.
Xi Jinping's recent statements reflect a broader strategy of
strengthening China's military position, especially amid perceived
threats in the region. Analysts believe that the current geopolitical
landscape, marked by increased U.S. support for Taiwan and heightened
international attention to China's actions, is pushing Chinese
leadership towards more assertive military rhetoric.
As China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan,
the situation remains highly tense, with potential implications for
regional stability and global geopolitics. Xi's call for enhanced
military readiness sends a clear message to both domestic and
international audiences: Beijing is determined to achieve its goals and
is prepared to take decisive action if necessary.
The international community will closely monitor developments, given the
high risk of potential miscalculations that could escalate into broader
conflicts.