China’s Xi Jinping escalates tensions in Taiwan Strait with limited choices.

China’s Mounting Troubles: A Challenge⁤ for Xi‍ Jinping

China’s supreme leader, Xi Jinping, is currently facing a multitude of challenges both at home and abroad. The nation is ⁣experiencing increasing economic pressure, exacerbated by his interference in domestic and ⁤foreign businesses. Uninvited⁤ Chinese Communist Party interference has proven to be unwelcome and detrimental to business.

Internationally, the “wolf warrior” diplomacy encouraged by Xi Jinping has ‌backfired spectacularly. Instead of intimidating neighboring countries, it has driven them​ closer together. South⁤ Korea‍ and Japan are now working in collaboration, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have distanced themselves from Beijing. The Philippines has even resumed military cooperation with the United States.

In ⁤the context⁣ of Taiwan,⁢ China’s military drills around ​the island no longer hold ⁤sway over public opinion in favor‌ of the Nationalist Party. Taiwan’s ⁤next presidential ⁣election is scheduled for January⁢ 13, 2024, and the ruling​ Democratic People’s Party, despised by Beijing, is gaining⁣ momentum.

Taiwan’s ability ⁢to fight is a crucial factor. Recent polls⁢ indicate that‌ a significant ⁤majority of ⁤Taiwanese citizens identify themselves as ​Taiwanese rather ​than‌ Chinese. Furthermore, nearly ​three-quarters of Taiwanese express⁤ willingness to defend their country if China were to invade.

Taiwan’s Vulnerabilities

However, Taiwan‌ faces challenges in terms of military ​preparedness. Unlike ‌Ukraine, ​Taiwan lacks a robust army reserve system, leaving it vulnerable if Chinese forces gain air superiority⁣ and launch ‌an amphibious assault. China’s constant‌ military ⁢exercises near ⁢Taiwan pose⁢ a significant​ risk, potentially reducing warning time.

Taiwan’s 2.2 million reservists may seem impressive on paper, but ‍their ‌training has been limited.‍ Last year, training ​was ⁣increased for some⁣ reservists, but it still falls short compared to the training received by⁤ members of the U.S. National Guard or‍ Reserve.

This⁣ reluctance to develop a strong defense force leaves Taiwan susceptible to Chinese⁤ psychological warfare.

China’s Potential Plans

China has ‍several advantages in a potential conflict with Taiwan. As an island, Taiwan can⁤ be easily ‍cut off ‌from the outside world. China could sever undersea communication cables and⁤ jam satellite communications,⁣ severely limiting Taiwan’s ability to communicate and‌ receive support.

China’s massive missile force poses a significant threat. ⁢The ‌physical damage caused by⁢ these missiles is ​concerning,‍ but the psychological impact‌ is equally ⁢significant. If ⁢Taiwan’s communication ‌is ⁤cut off and population centers⁣ are targeted, defenders may lose hope and surrender.

To address these vulnerabilities, Taiwan needs to establish a local ‌defense force​ system. Retired tech ⁣billionaire Robert Tsao is leading the way‌ by pledging millions to train marksmen and raise a‌ force of 3 million Taiwanese Minutemen, known as “Black Bear ‍Warriors.”

By⁢ mobilizing a local defense force, Taiwan can ⁢quickly respond to threats and defend key points, providing immediate protection until the reserve‍ force is ‍fully mobilized.