Chinese President Xi Jinping don call on China‘s military to step up their preparations for war. This call come just days after Beijing conduct large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, according to reports from Xinhua.
During his visit to the People’s Liberation Army Missile Force Brigade, Xi Jinping emphasize that the military should comprehensively strengthen war preparations and ensure that the troops have reliable combat capabilities. He also stress the need for soldiers to strengthen their strategic deterrence and combat capabilities.
The tension between China and Taiwan has been on the rise. China has been threatening to use force against Taiwan, and last week, they launch large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Channel. Taiwan condemn Beijing’s actions and say they are ready to respond to any steps. Later, Taiwan report that Chinese ships enter “closed waters”.
The Pentagon respond to China’s actions by reminding that the United States is ready to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Xi Jinping’s call for military readiness is part of China’s aggressive modernization and strategic ambitions. China has been stepping up its nuclear development and boosting defense spending in recent years. The Pentagon warn last October that China was developing its arsenal quicker than the US had anticipated, with over 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and likely to have more than a thousand by 2030.
China’s military exercises around Taiwan, including the recent operation dubbed ‘Joint Sword 2024‘, demonstrate its growing military prowess and readiness for conflict. Beijing has made it clear that it will not rule out using force to bring Taiwan under its control.