According to the top US general, a Chinese strike on Taiwan is not imminent, but the US is still “very closely” monitoring. Gen. Mark Milley told the BBC that although China is obviously building the capabilities to attack at some point, the decision to do so would be political.
China claims that Taiwan is a breakaway province that must be united with the mainland, if necessary through force. It has declared it will “resolutely demolish” any effort at independence for Taiwan and accused the US of doing so.
A former US Diplomat to the UN, Nikki Haley was quoted saying “The Chinese Communist Party hates America’s support for Taiwan because it fears the example that Taiwan sets. While mainland China is mired in tyranny, Taiwan is a marvel of freedom. It is a thriving democracy, with real elections and serious debates. It has an open economy, which has made it one of the richest places in the world and a major trading hub. Its success comes down to freedom and the rule of law, which are values America shares”.
China and the US, Taiwan’s most important ally, have seen a noticeable uptick recently. Chinese jets were flying dangerously close to Taiwan in May, according to US Vice President Joe Biden. If the island was invaded, he swore to defend it militarily.
In response, Beijing said the US was “violating its promise on Taiwan” and “interfering” in China’s internal affairs, and that China “would not hesitate to battle” to stop Taiwan from formally declaring independence.
