July 20, 2004

China's Mock Invasion

As reported here last month, the U.S. is going to be deploying seven carrier groups to take part in Operation Summer Pulse (the original linked story from UPI said that all seven carrier groups would be heading toward Taiwan, but in fact, the seven carrier groups will actually be operating around the globe with the USS Kitty Hawk being the only carrier actually near Taiwan). This exercise is designed to "demonstrate the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat power across the globe by operating in five theaters with other U.S., allied and coalition military forces."

Looks like China will also be doing its own exercises at the same time...a mock invasion of Taiwan. From the LA Times:

In a highly unusual move, the Chinese have publicized amphibious military operations being held on mainland-controlled islands in the Taiwan Strait. The war games, which simulate an invasion of Taiwan, involve 18,000 Chinese troops in weeklong land, sea and air maneuvers, according to the state-run media.

Here's the kicker:

Beijing's deployment was launched late last week as military chief Jiang Zemin vowed to recover Taiwan by 2020, marking the first time China has set a deadline for reunification.

So, it looks like war with China by 2020.

More from Boston.com:

Taiwan's military will close part of a popular freeway Wednesday so jet fighters can practice using it as an emergency runway a rare drill to prepare pilots for the possible bombing of air bases by China, officials said.

The island hasn't held such an exercise in 26 years, and it comes as China conducts war games that Beijing's state-controlled media have said are practice for a long-threatened attack on Taiwan.

While these military exercises have been planned for a long time, it just underscores the fact that we may eventually go to war with China if they invade Taiwan (which China now apparently has set a 2020 deadline for). It's only a matter of time.

Comments:

Please Note! Failure to abide by the following may result in your comments being edited or deleted: Remain on topic. Foul language and/or personal attacks are not permitted. Excessive links (more than three per thread) must be approved first. If you do include a link in your comment, make sure it is a short link (go to tinyurl.com if it is too long). Try to keep comments to 125 words or less. Thank you.