China has a lot of problems – a moribund economy, a population that is about to fall off a demographic cliff, and a restive younger generation. But the Middle Kingdom still has a huge population, considerable resources, and a leader who has managed to seize more personal control over the country than anyone since Chairman Mao – and they are dialing their military in, and eyeing Taiwan. What’s more, they are looking askance at American forces in the Pacific.
This could be a recipe for trouble.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has told the People’s Liberation Army to be ready to conquer Taiwan by the year 2027. Most U.S. military and intelligence analysts believe Xi will attempt such an invasion before this decade is out. Xi views Taiwan’s subjugation under the Chinese Communist Party flag as a requirement of his personal destiny and the party’s political destiny.
The stakes are…
