Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to enhance its combat readiness and be prepared to “win any war.” This call to action came after Xi met with the military command responsible for operations in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the need for vigilance against potential dangers and deepening planning on war and combat.
During his visit to the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command headquarters in Nanjing, Xi praised the soldiers for their significant contributions in safeguarding China’s sovereignty. The Eastern Theater Command, which focuses on the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, would play a crucial role in conducting major operations against Taipei in the event of a hot conflict.
In recent years, the command has conducted multiple live-fire drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, demonstrating its readiness and abilities. These exercises have taken place after certain events, such as Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with senior US officials and a meeting with then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The drills have included simulated blockades of the island, showcasing China’s potential response to perceived threats.
During his speech, Xi warned that the world is experiencing a new period of turmoil and change, with China’s security situation becoming increasingly unstable and uncertain. Although Xi did not explicitly mention any country, China has frequently criticized the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including freedom of navigation operations through the Taiwan Strait.
Under its One China policy, Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of its sovereign territory, emphasizing its strive for peaceful reunification but not ruling out the use of force if necessary. While Taiwan has not formally declared independence and is not recognized as an independent state by the US, Washington maintains strong ties with Taipei and has approved significant arms sales in recent years.
The US-Taiwan relationship has been a contentious issue between China and the United States, leading to increased tensions in the region. China’s call to enhance combat readiness and win any war reflects its determination to protect its interests and maintain control over Taiwan.
Xi’s visit to the military command and his push for combat readiness underscore the importance China places on its national security. The country’s leadership recognizes the evolving global landscape and the need to adapt its military capabilities accordingly.
As China continues to assert its influence and protect its territorial claims, the international community will closely monitor developments in the region. The relationship between China, the US, and Taiwan remains a delicate balancing act with the potential to impact regional stability and global geopolitics.
Overall, Xi’s call for enhanced combat readiness sends a clear message that China is prepared to defend its interests and maintain stability, reflecting the country’s evolving security dynamics and its determination to protect its sovereignty.
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