September 15, 2022
Time Is Running Out to Defend Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has made it abundantly clear that “reunifying” Taiwan with mainland China is a legacy issue for him, something he intends to accomplish on his watch through political and economic means or, if necessary, through military force. Right now, he is preoccupied with the COVID-19 crisis, the slowing growth of the Chinese economy, and the upcoming 20th Party Congress, where he hopes to secure a third term as chair of the Chinese Communist Party.
The U.S. military’s most promising capabilities to counter China will not be ready until the 2030s.
But once these immediate concerns are addressed, it is possible that sometime in the next five years Xi will consider taking Taiwan by force, either because nonmilitary efforts at reunification have fallen short or because he believes his chances of success will diminish if he waits and U.S. military capabilities grow.
Read the full article from Foreign Affairs.
More from CNAS
-
How the U.S. and Europe are Rethinking China
Podcast
China has remained a persistent—and increasingly complex—challenge. With looming discussions of tariffs and strategic decoupling from the U.S., European leaders are watching c...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Noah Barkin
-
‘Spider’s Web’ Warning: The U.S. Must Prioritize Drone Defense to Avoid Russia’s Fate
Commentary
This attack is wake-up call for US military: its counter-drone efforts are inadequate and are not keeping pace with the threat....
By Stacie Pettyjohn & Molly Campbell
-
Untangling Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb”
Podcast
In this episode, Paul Saunders speaks with Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. Bendett's previous experience includes working f...
By Samuel Bendett
-
Trump’s ‘Embarrassing’ Travel Ban Will Worsen U.S. National Security
Video
Times Radio's Jo Crawford is joined by Jim Townsend, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, to discuss Trump's travel ban on 12 countries and what...
By Jim Townsend
