China's Calculated Response to US Raid on Venezuela Raises Questions About Taiwan Strategy
The recent US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has sparked heated debate in China about its long-standing strategy for Taiwan. While some analysts believe that Beijing is emboldened by the lack of condemnation from Western powers, others argue that the incident may actually serve as a deterrent.
China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, and therefore not subject to international law or norms. The US operation in Venezuela does not hold relevance for cross-strait relations, according to Shen Dingli, a senior international relations scholar at Shanghai's Fudan University.
However, the reality on the ground is far from straightforward. China has invested heavily in military modernization, and its People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting intense drills around Taiwan in recent days. The US Department of Defense believes that Beijing is on track to achieve a "strategic decisive victory" over Taiwan by 2027.
Some Taiwanese experts, including Lin Ying Yu, an associate professor at Tamkang University, believe that the successful US military operation may actually make China more cautious about launching a similar attack on Taiwan. The fact that Chinese-made arms failed to stop the US operation in Venezuela suggests that Beijing's military capabilities are not as effective as previously thought.
Sung Wen-Ti, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub based in Taiwan, argues that the US military's capacity for a decapitation strike could serve as a deterrent against Chinese aggression. "The US operation in Venezuela ought to provide a deterrent effect that makes Beijing think twice about putting its military to the test against Washington," he said.
Meanwhile, the international community has largely condemned the US action as a blatant violation of international law and norms. China's backing for an emergency UN security council meeting over the legality of the operation highlights its commitment to upholding global rules.
Taiwan's government, however, has remained silent on the issue, despite President Lai Ching-te's repeated calls for defending the international rules-based order. One popular Taiwanese blogger argued that Taiwan should avoid causing trouble for the US and focus on maintaining stability, rather than taking a confrontational stance.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the situation in Taiwan remains a delicate balancing act. While some analysts believe that Beijing is emboldened by Western apathy, others argue that the recent US operation may actually serve as a deterrent against Chinese aggression. The future of cross-strait relations remains uncertain, with both sides continuing to navigate the complexities of international politics and military power.
The recent US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has sparked heated debate in China about its long-standing strategy for Taiwan. While some analysts believe that Beijing is emboldened by the lack of condemnation from Western powers, others argue that the incident may actually serve as a deterrent.
China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, and therefore not subject to international law or norms. The US operation in Venezuela does not hold relevance for cross-strait relations, according to Shen Dingli, a senior international relations scholar at Shanghai's Fudan University.
However, the reality on the ground is far from straightforward. China has invested heavily in military modernization, and its People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting intense drills around Taiwan in recent days. The US Department of Defense believes that Beijing is on track to achieve a "strategic decisive victory" over Taiwan by 2027.
Some Taiwanese experts, including Lin Ying Yu, an associate professor at Tamkang University, believe that the successful US military operation may actually make China more cautious about launching a similar attack on Taiwan. The fact that Chinese-made arms failed to stop the US operation in Venezuela suggests that Beijing's military capabilities are not as effective as previously thought.
Sung Wen-Ti, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub based in Taiwan, argues that the US military's capacity for a decapitation strike could serve as a deterrent against Chinese aggression. "The US operation in Venezuela ought to provide a deterrent effect that makes Beijing think twice about putting its military to the test against Washington," he said.
Meanwhile, the international community has largely condemned the US action as a blatant violation of international law and norms. China's backing for an emergency UN security council meeting over the legality of the operation highlights its commitment to upholding global rules.
Taiwan's government, however, has remained silent on the issue, despite President Lai Ching-te's repeated calls for defending the international rules-based order. One popular Taiwanese blogger argued that Taiwan should avoid causing trouble for the US and focus on maintaining stability, rather than taking a confrontational stance.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the situation in Taiwan remains a delicate balancing act. While some analysts believe that Beijing is emboldened by Western apathy, others argue that the recent US operation may actually serve as a deterrent against Chinese aggression. The future of cross-strait relations remains uncertain, with both sides continuing to navigate the complexities of international politics and military power.