A report from a Washington think tank suggests that China could potentially bring Taiwan under its control without resorting to military force, CNN reported.
Amid escalating tensions, Chinese leader Xi Jinping's aggressive stance towards Taiwan has raised concerns about Beijing's intentions. China's silence on Russia's invasion of Ukraine has further fueled fears.
Analysts and military strategists highlight two main options for China: a full-scale invasion or a military blockade. However, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) points out a third option: quarantine. This "gray zone" tactic would involve actions below the threshold of war, such as using the China Coast Guard and maritime militia to enforce a blockade, cutting off essential supplies to Taiwan.
The CSIS report suggests that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) might play support roles in such a scenario.
China has been increasing pressure on Taiwan in various ways, and the report emphasizes that Beijing has options beyond invasion to coerce or annex Taiwan.
China's Minister of National Defence, Admiral Dong Jun, recently warned against external forces emboldening Taiwan Independence separatists. He accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of pursuing Taiwan's separation and erasing its Chinese identity.
China has been escalating its use of gray zone tactics since September 2020, with increased military activities near Taiwan, including air and naval incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, remains a contentious issue in China's foreign policy, with China asserting its sovereignty and insisting on reunification, potentially by force.
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