Is China preparing for war against Taiwan? The People’s Republic of China (PRC) regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and is building military capabilities to compel the island to accept unification. In recent years, PRC provocations around Taiwan have increased and cross-strait tensions have risen considerably. At the same time, the United States insists the dispute be resolved peacefully. The National Defense University’s new edited volume, “Crossing the Strait: China’s Military Prepares for War with Taiwan,” explores the political and military context of cross-strait relations, with a focus on understanding the Chinese decision calculus about using force, the capabilities that China’s military would bring to the fight, and what Taiwan can do to defend itself.

On March 10, USIP hosted a conversation with some of the world’s foremost experts on the Chinese military and cross-strait relations. The discussion drew on analysis featured in “Crossing the Strait” and examined current trends and prospects for peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #CrossingTheStrait.

Speakers

Alexander Chieh-cheng Huang
Professor, Institute of Strategic Studies, Tamkang University

Phil Saunders
Director, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, National Defense University

Andrew Scobell
Distinguished Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace

Joel Wuthnow
Senior Research Fellow, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, National Defense University

Jennifer Staats, moderator
Director, East and Southeast Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

In Europe, Xi Looks to Boost Ties — and Sow Divisions

In Europe, Xi Looks to Boost Ties — and Sow Divisions

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week made his first trip to the European continent in five years, visiting France, Hungary and Serbia. In Paris, Xi faced tough questions over trade and China’s support for Russia and its war in Ukraine, but met a much friendlier reception in Budapest and Belgrade, both of which view China as a key economic and political partner. Still, the visit demonstrated the obstacles Beijing faces in fostering deeper ties across Europe, where resentment is simmering over China’s moral and materiel aid to Russia and what Europe views as unfair trade practices.

Type: Question and Answer

Global Policy

China’s Edge in the Pacific Islands: Xi Jinping Makes Time for Leaders

China’s Edge in the Pacific Islands: Xi Jinping Makes Time for Leaders

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

If the U.S. government wants an edge over China in the Pacific Islands, it needs to facilitate more meetings between the president of the United States and regional leaders, preferably one-on-one. When Pacific Island leaders fly to Beijing, they often have a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but such a meeting between the leader of a Pacific Island country and a sitting president of the United States has never taken place. The White House has only conducted joint meetings with Pacific Island leaders. Sometimes even joint meetings don’t make the cut.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

What Does the Xi-Ma Meeting Mean for Cross-Strait Relations?

What Does the Xi-Ma Meeting Mean for Cross-Strait Relations?

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held talks on April 10 with former Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. The meeting came as tensions between Beijing and Taipei remain high, particularly following Taiwan’s election at the beginning of the year, which saw pro-sovereignty candidate William Lai Ching-te win a historic third term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Ma served as president from 2008 to 2016, is a member of the Nationalist (KMT) party and is known for advocating closer ties with mainland China.

Type: Question and Answer

Global Policy

View All Publications