By Thabo Mosia
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the country’s military to ramp up its preparedness for war, according to state media reports on Saturday, 19 October 2024. This comes just days after Beijing conducted a series of large-scale military drills around Taiwan, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. Xi’s comments underscore China’s growing assertiveness in the face of perceived external threats and signal the government’s commitment to securing its strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan.
Xi’s directive to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reflects the increasingly fragile security situation in the Asia-Pacific, where China has been flexing its military muscle in response to what it perceives as provocations by the United States and its allies. The Chinese leader’s call for enhanced war readiness serves as a reminder of the long-standing friction between Beijing and Taipei, which China considers a breakaway province despite Taiwan’s self-governance since 1949.
The Military Drills Around Taiwan
In the week leading up to Xi’s speech, the Chinese military conducted some of its most extensive drills around Taiwan. The exercises, which involved naval ships, fighter jets, and missile systems, were aimed at demonstrating China’s military capabilities and reinforcing its stance on Taiwan. According to the Chinese Ministry of Defence, these drills were designed to simulate a blockade of the island, sending a clear message to both Taiwan and its international supporters.
The timing of these drills is significant, as they came shortly after the US approved a substantial arms sale to Taiwan, including advanced missile systems and military hardware aimed at bolstering the island’s defense capabilities. Beijing views any foreign military aid to Taiwan as a threat to its sovereignty and has repeatedly condemned such actions. The drills served as a warning to the US and its allies, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region, to reconsider their stance on Taiwan’s defense.
Xi Jinping’s Call for War Preparedness
Xi Jinping’s call for the PLA to enhance its preparedness for war is not unprecedented but comes at a critical moment in China’s domestic and international affairs. As the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi has long emphasized the importance of a strong military capable of defending China’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
During a recent meeting with top military officials, Xi urged the PLA to “strengthen their preparedness for war” and to “improve their combat capabilities.” His remarks, reported by Chinese state media, were part of a broader address that emphasized the need for the military to remain vigilant in an increasingly hostile world.
“We must remain ready to respond to any military challenges, defend our nation’s sovereignty, and protect our development interests,” Xi was quoted as saying. His speech highlighted the importance of modernizing the PLA and ensuring that it remains capable of winning wars in the face of evolving threats.
The Chinese president’s comments come at a time when the country is facing growing geopolitical challenges, particularly in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. In recent years, Beijing has been steadily increasing its military presence in these areas, building artificial islands, expanding its naval capabilities, and conducting regular military drills to assert its claims.
The Taiwan Factor
At the heart of China’s military ambitions lies the issue of Taiwan. Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Taiwan has been governed separately from mainland China, but Beijing continues to view it as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
Taiwan, on the other hand, sees itself as a sovereign state and has resisted calls for reunification, bolstered by the support of countries like the United States. The situation has led to a tense standoff, with both sides preparing for the possibility of military conflict.
In recent years, tensions have escalated, particularly as the US has increased its military support for Taiwan, providing arms sales and even conducting joint military exercises in the region. This has angered Beijing, which views such actions as violations of its sovereignty and a challenge to its claims over Taiwan.
Xi’s call for war readiness is seen by many as a response to these developments, as well as a signal to Taiwan that Beijing is prepared to use force if necessary to achieve reunification. While China has consistently stated that it prefers peaceful reunification, the possibility of military action has never been off the table.
US-China Relations at a Low Point
The relationship between the US and China has deteriorated significantly in recent years, particularly over issues related to trade, human rights, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan remains a flashpoint in these tensions, with the US maintaining a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding its defense of the island.
While the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation, it has long supported the island’s right to self-defense and has supplied it with the weapons and equipment necessary to fend off a potential Chinese invasion. This support has angered Beijing, which views any military cooperation between Taiwan and foreign powers as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
In response to Xi’s recent comments, US officials have reiterated their commitment to Taiwan’s security. Washington has urged Beijing to refrain from actions that could destabilize the region and has called for peaceful dialogue to resolve the issue. However, China’s growing military presence and Xi’s call for war preparedness have only heightened concerns that a military conflict over Taiwan could be imminent.
Regional Reactions
Xi’s remarks have also raised alarm in neighbouring countries, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia have long been concerned about China’s growing military capabilities and its assertiveness in regional disputes.
Japan, in particular, has been vocal about its concerns over China’s military activities in the East China Sea, where the two countries have competing claims over a group of uninhabited islands known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan and the Diaoyu Islands in China. In response to China’s military drills around Taiwan, Japanese officials have reiterated their commitment to working closely with the US to ensure regional stability.
Australia, which has also been involved in recent diplomatic spats with China, has expressed concern over the rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Australian officials have called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute and have urged both sides to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to military action.
Modernising the PLA
Xi Jinping’s focus on military preparedness also underscores his commitment to modernizing China’s armed forces. Since assuming office, Xi has overseen a significant transformation of the PLA, with a focus on developing advanced technologies, improving operational capabilities, and expanding China’s military presence beyond its borders.
The PLA’s recent drills around Taiwan are part of a broader strategy to demonstrate China’s military might and signal its readiness to defend its territorial claims. The exercises featured some of China’s most advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, stealth fighter jets, and amphibious assault vehicles.
Under Xi’s leadership, the PLA has also been investing heavily in cyber warfare, space technology, and artificial intelligence, all of which are seen as critical to winning future conflicts. These developments have made China one of the most formidable military powers in the world, with the capability to project power far beyond its immediate borders.
The Path Ahead
While Xi Jinping’s call for increased military readiness has sparked concerns about the potential for conflict in the Taiwan Strait, it is important to note that China has consistently maintained that it prefers peaceful reunification with Taiwan. However, the growing military presence in the region and the escalation of rhetoric on both sides suggest that tensions are unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.
The international community, particularly the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific, will be closely watching how the situation unfolds. The possibility of a military conflict over Taiwan could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the region but for global stability. As the world’s two largest economies, a conflict between China and the US over Taiwan would have profound implications for global trade, security, and diplomacy.
In the meantime, Xi’s call for war readiness serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in the Taiwan dispute. For China, Taiwan represents not just a territorial claim but a symbol of its national sovereignty and a key component of Xi’s vision for a “great rejuvenation” of the Chinese nation. Whether or not this vision can be achieved without conflict remains to be seen.
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