China has been flexing its military muscle recently, particularly towards Taiwan, demonstrating its growing prowess and resolve.
Prior to Taiwan’s elections, Beijing launched cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, highlighting its claim over the island and its readiness to use force if needed.
After Taiwan’s new government took office, China conducted extensive military drills near Taiwan, accompanied by state media showcasing animated videos of missile strikes on Taiwanese cities. These maneuvers underline China’s firm stance on Taiwan.
In another display of strength, China’s newest aircraft carrier embarked on sea trials, positioning China as the world’s second-largest navy in terms of aircraft carriers, after the United States.
Despite these shows of force, doubts persist among analysts about President Xi Jinping’s confidence in China’s military.
Xi recently acknowledged “deep-seated problems” within the armed forces, prompting a significant military reorganization—the largest in nearly a decade. This restructuring included dissolving the Strategic Support Force, originally tasked with enhancing China’s space and cyber warfare capabilities.
The removal of the Strategic Support Force signals a shift in strategy, placing responsibilities directly under the Central Military Commission, chaired by Xi. This move aims to bolster China’s readiness for modern warfare, challenging US military dominance in this arena.
Xi’s military reforms coincide with a sweeping purge in the Chinese military ranks, targeting high-ranking officials and commanders. These purges, coupled with Xi’s assertive restructuring, reflect his ruthless adaptability and determination to ensure loyalty and control within the military.
Despite these efforts, questions linger about the effectiveness of Xi’s military strategy and the impact of constant leadership changes on China’s combat readiness.
Analysts anticipate a heightened focus on political indoctrination within the military, potentially diverting attention from essential training and creating an atmosphere of caution among officers.
Xi’s approach, characterized by decisive action and continuous reshuffling, aims to strengthen China’s military might.
However, its long-term implications for combat capabilities remain uncertain, requiring time to assess the true effectiveness of these reforms.
