August M
Calls by some Chinese social media users for a swift seizure of Taiwan’s leaders have resurfaced following a high-profile U.S. operation abroad. But analysts and security officials say such a move against Taiwan would be far more complex and risky than online commentators suggest.
Experts warn that any attempt to rapidly remove Taiwan’s leadership could quickly spiral into a wider conflict involving the United States and its allies.
Online calls grow
According to Reuters, some Chinese users have pointed to a recent U.S. operation involving Venezuela as a model for what they describe as a rapid “decapitation” of Taiwan’s government.
Posts on China’s Weibo platform suggested using special forces to detain President Lai Ching-te and immediately declare control over the island.
Taiwanese officials and analysts have dismissed those ideas as unrealistic, stressing that Taiwan has prepared for precisely such scenarios over many years.
Defences in place
Security experts say Taiwan presents a very different challenge from Venezuela. The island has layered air defences, early warning radar systems and extensive preparations designed to detect and counter infiltration attempts across the Taiwan Strait.
“Once such an operation runs into trouble, it would quickly escalate into a full-scale conflict, with extremely high political and military risk,” said Chen Kuan-ting, a lawmaker from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, according to Reuters.
Taiwan also expects backing from the United States and regional partners in the event of a serious escalation.
Military limits
While China has invested heavily in advanced weapons, questions remain about the People’s Liberation Army’s ability to integrate those systems in complex joint operations. Analysts say gaps persist in electronic warfare, real combat experience and command flexibility.
“The PLA still has clear gaps in real joint-operations experience,” Chen said, adding that any assault would likely be detected well before reaching Taiwan.
China’s defence ministry did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Rising tensions
Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control, a position Taiwan firmly rejects. Military drills around the island have intensified, including recent exercises involving missile launches and large-scale manoeuvres.
Chinese officials have issued strong warnings against foreign involvement. “Any external forces that attempt to intervene… will surely smash their heads bloody against the iron walls of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement reported by Reuters.
Preparing for risks
Taiwan has continued to bolster its defences. President Lai said last month that the island was determined to defend its sovereignty, unveiling initiatives such as the multi-layered “T-Dome” air defence system.
Despite doubts about China’s readiness, Taiwanese officials say complacency is not an option. “We have no capital to take them lightly,” a senior Taiwan security official told Reuters, adding that Beijing would continue seeking ways to overcome its military shortcomings.
Sources: Reuters
