TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Washington's latest threat assessment says that China is ramping up its military operations around Taiwan.
The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a 30-page annual global threat assessment report on Tuesday, about one-third of which looks at China, per CNA. Under the heading "Taiwan and Maritime Flashpoints," it said that a conflict between China and Taiwan would disrupt US access to trade and semiconductor technology.
The report emphasizes that even if the US does not get involved in a conflict, it could still result in significant and costly consequences.
The report also points out that Beijing is trying to isolate Taiwan by downgrading its diplomatic relations. Since 2016, the document noted that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have decreased from 22 to 12.
According to the analysis, China is enhancing its military capabilities in preparation for a cross-strait campaign, while also employing its armed forces to exert pressure on Taiwan.
The assessment said the PLA may be making "steady but uneven" progress in its ability to “seize Taiwan and deter — and if necessary, defeat — US military intervention.” It warned the PLA is intensifying the scope, size, and pace of military maneuvers around Taiwan.
The report added that Beijing will continue to use economic coercion against Taiwan and may increase the intensity of its pressure if Taiwan takes formal steps toward independence. Potential coercive actions by China included suspending preferential tariff terms, selectively banning exports from Taiwan to China, or arbitrarily enforcing regulations.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard at a Senate hearing Tuesday morning said the intelligence community views China as the US' "most capable strategic competitor." Gabbard said that under the leadership of Xi Jinping (習近平), China is striving to position itself as a global leader in economics, technology, and military power.
Gabbard said that although China seeks to develop and maintain relations with the US and the Trump administration to promote mutual interests and avoid conflict, China is building its military capabilities partly to gain an advantage in potential military confrontations with the US “around the issue of China's efforts toward unification with the Republic of China, Taiwan.”
She also pointed out the Chinese military is expanding its deployments in the Asia-Pacific region, concentrating on disputed territories in the East and South China Seas.
