Xi Jinping’s Struggle: A Tumultuous Dance with China’s Military
Introduction
In the intricate dance of power within China, a seismic struggle is underway as President Xi Jinping grapples with the very institution meant to defend the nation – the military. Recent actions suggest a pivotal moment, one that could reverberate globally, potentially dragging the US into the ominous shadows of a Third World War.
Xi Jinping’s Military Purge
Xi Jinping, the paramount leader of China, has embarked on a relentless mission to reshape the military hierarchy. Military analysts, including Gordon Chang from the Gatestone Institute, assert that Xi seeks generals who are not only in command but are also unequivocally prepared for war. The purging of senior commanders, witnessed on December 29, 2023, is not merely an anti-corruption crusade, as commonly portrayed.
The Quest for War-Ready Commanders
Chang contends that the core issue lies in the reluctance of many Chinese general officers to engage in warfare. Xi Jinping, since assuming power in 2012, has meticulously overhauled the military, emphasizing a need for officers who are not ambivalent about going to war. Joel Wuthnow, a senior research fellow, aligns corruption rooting with military preparedness, indicating Xi’s concerns about the quality of personnel and equipment invested in over the last decade.
Deciphering the Motives
The nine senior commanders, notably from China’s Rocket Force, a linchpin in military campaigns, were dismissed under the cloud of corruption. However, Wuthnow questions the underlying motive, raising a crucial point – the reliability of equipment in the face of potential conflict. The looming question remains: Can Xi Jinping be confident in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) success if crucial equipment falters?
China’s Geopolitical Maneuvers
China’s ambitions extend beyond its borders, with low-level hostilities involving India, Japan, the Philippines, and the disputed Taiwan Strait. Observers have long speculated about a potential invasion of Taiwan, a scenario that could tip the delicate balance of global peace. Xi’s warlike rhetoric and assertions about Taiwan’s reunification create palpable tension, making it a focal point in Western debates on China’s military intentions.
The Strategic Fluctuations
Despite Taiwan being a primary focus, experts like Chang assert that predicting the origin of a potential conflict is challenging. Xi Jinping’s escalating war rhetoric, evident in his New Year’s address and discussions with President Biden, paints a complex picture. The political significance of these statements is not lost; they serve as markers, potentially pushing China into a conflict that could have far-reaching consequences.
Xi Jinping’s Caution Amidst Global Turmoil
In a post-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine era, Joel Wuthnow believes Xi Jinping has grown more cautious. Observing the destabilization caused by Putin’s actions, Xi may be wary of similar repercussions on his domestic position. Wuthnow emphasizes the substantial price Russia paid for its misadventure and asserts that China, too, would face severe consequences. A failed invasion, in particular, could be politically catastrophic for Xi Jinping.
The Broader Global Context
As tensions escalate globally, Gordon Chang draws parallels with the prelude to World War II. Multiple conflicts across different regions, from Ukraine to Africa, create an environment reminiscent of the 1930s. Chang posits that these separate wars could merge into a global conflict, with a Chinese invasion in East Asia serving as a catalyst dragging Western countries, including the US, into a wider war.
Xi Jinping’s Strategic Playbook
Chang draws a striking parallel between Xi Jinping’s approach and Mao’s Peasant Revolution playbook. Encircling the cities from the countryside, Xi views Ukraine, North Africa, and Israel as the outskirts, positioning the United States as the ultimate city. This geopolitical chess game, if materialized, could reshape the global power dynamics, with China strategically positioning itself for dominance.
Conclusion
In the unfolding narrative of Xi Jinping’s struggle with China’s military, the stakes are high. The geopolitical chessboard is set, with Taiwan at its center and global repercussions echoing the tremors of uncertainty. As the world watches, the outcome of this internal power struggle could indeed shape the future, with potential consequences that transcend borders.
