Analysts: China may seize key islands from Taiwan in the next six months

Institute for the Study of War and the American Enterprise Institute described that China could seize Taiwan's territories within the next six months.

Here's What We Know

The campaign to "force" Taiwan into war may raise questions about how the United States and its allies should respond. This is a major concern, as Taiwan relies heavily on the protection of friendly countries.

The analysts described in detail what China's potential attempts to seize the Kinmen Islands in Taiwan might look like. In the article, they assessed the recent surge in aggressive actions by the Chinese coast guard.

Earlier this year, the people of Taiwan elected Lai Tsing-jeou of the Democratic Progressive Party as president, a historic move that underscored the voters' desire to curb China's hostility and preserve Taiwan's autonomy. Lai's victory was unprecedented, but it was the last election China needed. For example, Beijing called Lai a separatist and in response to his victory imposed a series of punishments against Taiwan.

The analytical material also states that China plans to attack Taiwan precisely because it has begun "making new efforts to weaken Taiwan's control over its outlying islands". That is, China wants to move from the so-called respect for "Taiwan's de facto jurisdiction in the waters around the Kinmen and Matsu" to denying Taiwan's claims.

During the exercise, China reaffirmed "its right to conduct law enforcement patrols in these waters at will",

Source: Institute for the Study of War