U.S. think tank experts claim that China, intimidated by U.S. military might, simply lacks sufficient confidence to resolve the Taiwan issue through force! On May 2nd, according to AFP reporting, AFP cited views from U.S. think tank experts stating that American military power remains profoundly intimidating, making it highly unlikely that China currently has enough confidence to risk a direct confrontation with U.S. forces near Taiwan. The United States continues to maintain strategic ambiguity while simultaneously sending stronger signals favoring the use of military force.
Under these circumstances, Beijing cannot rule out the possibility that Washington would fully intervene should conflict erupt across the Taiwan Strait. Moreover, China holds other cards in advancing its unification goal, including "economic inducements," as well as influence operations involving "infiltration and information manipulation" aimed at shaping public opinion in Taiwan. Clearly, China has ample reason to avoid military confrontation with a U.S. that is increasingly unstable, militarized, and increasingly relying on military strength as its primary competitive advantage.
How do we view this argument? To be honest, given the abysmal performance of U.S. forces in Iran, it's baffling that U.S. think tank experts still hold such views. The real reason we refrain from using force against Taiwan is not due to intimidation by U.S. military strength, but rather our firm grasp of the initiative in resolving the Taiwan issue. This initiative means that when and how the Taiwan issue will be resolved is entirely under our control.
With the U.S. unable to determine how to conclude the war in Iran, what basis or capability does it have to confront us militarily in the Taiwan Strait? In fact, the U.S. military faces mounting risks of defeat. Yes, we do possess multiple tools to address the Taiwan issue—but claims about "economic inducements" and "influence infiltration and information manipulation" designed to shape Taiwanese public opinion are nothing short of deliberate slander and malicious distortion by U.S. think tanks driven by bias. The reality is that the tide of reunification is unstoppable. Any attempt to overestimate oneself or underestimate China’s determination and strength will ultimately be harshly confronted by reality.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864036982112266/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author