O
ver the past several decades, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has
labored to isolate Taiwan internationally and bind Taiwan’s future to
China’s. In his speech marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese
Communist Party (CCP), Xi Jinping, chairman of the CCP and the PRC’s
supreme leader, directly linked China’s rejuvenation to reunification with Taiwan.
1
Subsequently, Xi said that China would “strive for peaceful reunification with the
greatest sincerity and the utmost effort,” but explicitly reserved all “measures neces-
sary”—including the use of force—to wrest control of Taiwan.
2
Although reunification could be a peaceful continuation of current efforts, the
PRC poses a clear and growing military threat, as demonstrated by its increasing air
and naval capabilities, heightened amphibious exercises, and military shows of force
around Taiwan’s periphery. U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy ColinH.
Kahl thinks China is likely to increase pressure on Taiwan but is not likely to invade
over the next two years.
3
At the same time, Admiral Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval
TIMOTHY M. BONDS
Keeping the World Close
How Taiwan Can Maintain Contact with Allies, Supporters,
and Its Own People If Attacked
C O R P O R A T I O N
Perspective
EXPERT INSIGHTS ON A TIMELY POLICY ISSUE
July 2023
