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China considering strong measures to contain Taiwan – sources

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China considering strong measures to contain Taiwan – sources

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China’s military has grown alarmed over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s support for Taiwan and is weighing tough measures to stop the island from moving toward independence, sources close to senior officers said.

  Sources said the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is considering war games near Taiwan and economic steps to weaken the island. They noted the issue has dominated discussions among China’s top brass in recent weeks.   Trump, who takes office January 20, angered Beijing by speaking to Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen. The call broke decades of precedent and raised doubts about his commitment to the “one China” policy. Chinese leaders fear this could embolden pro-independence groups in Taiwan.   “If Trump challenges ‘one China’ after becoming president, that would cross our red line,” one source with leadership ties said.   China’s defense ministry declined comment, saying the 2005 Anti-Secession Law already permits force if Taiwan declares independence.   Taiwan defense ministry spokesman Chen Chung-shi said the island is “fully prepared” for any threat. Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party supports independence, insists she wants peace but admits next year will test Taiwan’s security.   Beijing criticized Tsai’s planned stopovers in Houston and San Francisco during her January Latin America trip. Officials blamed Taiwan, not Trump, for straining ties, though they believe Trump may soften once in office.   “We’re ready. If Taiwan wants trouble, so can we. Let’s hit them hard,” one Beijing official said after meeting senior PLA officers. He added the PLA could stage drills near Taiwan to show the damage it could inflict.   China claims Taiwan as part of its territory. The U.S. provides Taiwan with defensive weapons but has not promised to send troops in a conflict. Washington also recognizes Beijing’s “one China” stance.   A retired PLA officer said China might not need missiles to cripple Taiwan. “We can cut them off economically—no trade, no flights. Taiwan won’t last long,” he said. But he warned a Western blockade of China would also hurt its slowing economy.   A U.S. defense official noted Chinese activity around Taiwan has grown more provocative since Trump’s election win. China’s sole aircraft carrier, Liaoning, led drills around the island this month. Chinese jets also flew close to Taiwan in recent exercises, though Beijing labeled them routine.   China recently scored a diplomatic win when Sao Tome and Principe switched ties from Taipei to Beijing.    
FILE PHOTO: Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks on the phone with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at her office in Taipei, Taiwan, in this handout photo made available December 3, 2016. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

FILE PHOTO: Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen speaks on the phone with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at her office in Taipei, Taiwan, in this handout photo made available December 3, 2016. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

 

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