Background
China’s long-held goal of unifying with Taiwan has taken on new urgency in recent years. President Xi Jinping has made it clear that he believes that reunification is a core interest of China and that he is willing to use force if necessary to achieve it. However, Xi Jinping also knows that an invasion of Taiwan would be extremely risky and could lead to a wider war with the United States and its allies.
Blockade as an Alternative
As a result, Xi has begun to develop a new strategy for dealing with Taiwan: a blockade. A blockade is a military operation that involves cutting off an enemy’s access to the outside world. This can be done by sea, air, or land. A blockade can be very effective in weakening an enemy and forcing it to surrender.
How a Blockade Would Work
A blockade of Taiwan would likely involve the following steps:
The Effects of a Blockade
A blockade of Taiwan would have a devastating impact on the island’s economy. Taiwan relies heavily on trade with the outside world, and a blockade would cut off its access to essential goods and services. The blockade would also cause widespread shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
The blockade would also have a significant impact on Taiwan’s military. Taiwan’s armed forces are much smaller than China’s, and a blockade would make it difficult for Taiwan to receive supplies and reinforcements. The blockade would also make it difficult for Taiwan to defend itself against a Chinese invasion.
The Risks of a Blockade
A blockade of Taiwan would be a very risky move for China. The United States and its allies have made it clear that they would not stand idly by if China were to blockade Taiwan. A blockade could lead to a military confrontation between China and the United States, and could even escalate into a wider war.
Conclusion
A blockade of Taiwan is a serious option for China, but it is also a very risky one. China must weigh the potential benefits of a blockade against the risks before making a decision.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
