Xi Jinping carefully considers reunification of China regarding Taiwan By Jordan Conestabile

Throughout President Xi Jinping’s rise to power, there has been concern that China may invade Taiwan. Just days ago, a Taiwanese news broadcast had mistakenly aired a news alert that had the Chinese military launching an invasion of the island. The news report indicated that the country was “on the brink of war.” The false news report was part of an annual disaster response drill which had been prematurely released.

Beijing’s approach to Taiwan is comparable to the Russian invasion of the Ukraine in wanting to reclaim the self-governing island which has proclaimed its independence from Communist China. Beijing has stepped up their military presence in a show of strength by deploying a number of warplanes and warships increasing closer to the self-ruling island.

photo by wikipedia

China, like Russia maintains a large military advantage over their adversaries. It is uncertain that if an invasion were to take place Taiwan would be safeguarded by US intervention. China claims that Taiwan is and remains part of its country and military intervention would be an effort to suppress activities adverse to its government.

Xi has continued the practice of fighting to protect the ruling Communist Party and having this be the primary mission of his military. Controlling the island is a key part of this thinking and the reunification of his nation. The belief of the Chinese people is that Taiwan would not put up much of a resistance if military action was to take place, though Vladimir Putin was of similar belief in his efforts against the Ukraine, and proved wrong.

Jordan Conestabile is a Political Science student at Utica University