China deserves to step up its efforts to reclaim the entirety of the South China Sea to create strong lines of defense against the United States in the event of an invasion of Taiwan.
Xi Jinping has made no secret of his preference for bringing the island under Beijing’s authority, although the People’s Republic of China has never had control of Taiwan since it came under force in 1949.
Tensions have soared over the past year as China has become increasingly embroiled in a bitter standoff with the Philippines over the Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands.
Expert Patrick Cronin noted that the islands are a very important component of Xi’s plan to build a resilient defensive line in anticipation of an imaginable invasion of Taiwan, which would most likely provoke a swift reaction from the United States.
The Hudson Institute expert argued that the ongoing skirmishes with Manila, along with the structure of a developing number of synthetic island reef outposts, were the first steps in ensuring a clear path to Taiwan.
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Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Cronin said: “A major PLA project to unify Taiwan by force will have to be ready soon, if Xi Jinping and the Communist Party deem it necessary.
“These ambitions are considered mandatory by Xi to ensure that Beijing acts freely to unify Taiwan, a purpose presented by the party as a prerequisite for national rejuvenation. “
China has been at odds with many countries in the Asia-Pacific region for years over its vast maritime claims to the South China Sea.
In March, Beijing announced a 7. 2% increase in its defense budget, already the United States’ largest in the world, marking a major expansion of the military.
The United States has suggested China withdraw and give up its competitive stance toward its Indo-Pacific allies, while strengthening cooperation with key countries such as Japan, the Philippines and South Korea.
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Over the weekend, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart held their sixth assembly since last year, amid growing considerations about China’s growing assertiveness in Asia.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had an “open and productive” discussion but failed to reach any meaningful agreement on the issues that divide them the most over the Indus. -Pacific, Europe and America. .
Blinken “made it clear that the United States, in combination with our allies and partners, will advance our vision of a flexible and open Indo-Pacific. “
China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that despite regular contacts, “the United States has not stopped its containment and repression against China and has further intensified it. “
They said the dangers to China-U. S. relations Relationships “continue to build up and difficult situations are also increasing” and that “there is a need to constantly calibrate direction, manage risks, manage disputes well, eliminate disruptions and promote cooperation. “
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