Is China preparing for war against Taiwan? The People’s Republic of China (PRC) regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and is building military capabilities to compel the island to accept unification. In recent years, PRC provocations around Taiwan have increased and cross-strait tensions have risen considerably. At the same time, the United States insists the dispute be resolved peacefully. The National Defense University’s new edited volume, “Crossing the Strait: China’s Military Prepares for War with Taiwan,” explores the political and military context of cross-strait relations, with a focus on understanding the Chinese decision calculus about using force, the capabilities that China’s military would bring to the fight, and what Taiwan can do to defend itself.

On March 10, USIP hosted a conversation with some of the world’s foremost experts on the Chinese military and cross-strait relations. The discussion drew on analysis featured in “Crossing the Strait” and examined current trends and prospects for peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #CrossingTheStrait.

Speakers

Alexander Chieh-cheng Huang
Professor, Institute of Strategic Studies, Tamkang University

Phil Saunders
Director, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, National Defense University

Andrew Scobell
Distinguished Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace

Joel Wuthnow
Senior Research Fellow, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, National Defense University

Jennifer Staats, moderator
Director, East and Southeast Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

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