Foundation For Defense of Democracies
Date: June 5, 2020
By: Bradley Bowman

Something is happening in Beijing, and it goes well beyond last week’s Hong Kong power grab. On multiple fronts—from the border with India to the South China Sea to the seas and skies surrounding Taiwan—the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has decided to adopt an even more aggressive policy. If Washington fails to respond appropriately, Beijing could target Taiwan next.

Brushing aside its international obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, Beijing has decided to tighten its authoritarian grip on Hong Kong. The Trump administration, in response, is now moving to end Hong Kong’s special economic status.

That’s appropriate, but Washington should view Beijing’s actions on Hong Kong as part of a larger CCP policy that could culminate in military action against Taiwan.

To be sure, any predictions regarding the likelihood and timing of such an attack should be proffered humbly and viewed critically. The truth is that no one outside of the core group of CCP decision-makers knows for sure.    [FULL  STORY]