In a significant development, top military officials from the United States and China recently engaged in virtual talks, marking the first high-level communication between the two countries in over a year. However, tensions between the two global powers remain extremely high, with reports emerging from the San Francisco summit indicating a sense of unease.
President Xi Jinping of China reportedly conveyed a strong message to President Joe Biden, emphasizing that the reunification with Taiwan is of paramount importance and takes precedence over maintaining regional peace. This unprecedented statement places the onus on the United States to support China's reunification efforts if it wants to avoid the possibility of war over Taiwan.
Retired four-star General Jack Keane corroborated these reports, highlighting the vulnerability in the current U.S. administration that adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are eager to exploit. Observing a declining political will in the United States, these nations have become increasingly emboldened in their aggressive actions, as evidenced by President Xi's stance on Taiwan, President Putin's recent invasion, and Iran's proxy activities in the Middle East.
China's understanding of the U.S. political system allows them to take advantage of any perceived weakness or lack of cohesion within the country. They employ information operations to undermine public confidence in the government and further their own interests. Additionally, considering President Biden's declining approval ratings, China may be factoring in the potential for a change in leadership within the next year.
The upcoming election in Taiwan adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation. The incumbent pro-Taiwan independence party, DPP, is currently leading by seven points. Should they secure victory and maintain a strong stance against mainland China, President Xi will face a critical decision concerning potential action in the next few years.
General Keane also pointed out the crucial military imbalance in the region. While the United States maintains its position as the most powerful military force globally, within close proximity to China, the advantage shifts towards the Chinese due to their proximity and growing military capabilities. The implications of this reality highlight the need for strategic planning and preparedness to defend against any hostile actions.
Ensuring Taiwan's ability to defend itself is of utmost importance. However, concerns persist over the delayed delivery of the military equipment that Taiwan had purchased. Efforts must be made to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities and create an impression that China's ambitions will face considerable resistance.
As tensions between the United States and China remain high, it is imperative for policymakers to recognize the dangers at hand and take appropriate measures to address the increasing aggressiveness of global adversaries. The situation calls for a robust and well-coordinated response to safeguard regional stability and protect the interests of all parties involved.
