Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the United States has “gravely backpedaled” on its position regarding Taiwan, sending the wrong message to separatist forces on the island. In contrast, Taiwan’s government welcomed the update as a positive reflection of the close and amicable partnership between Taiwan and the United States.
The U.S. State Department described the revision as a routine update, reaffirming its commitment to the “One China” policy and opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.
Trump’s aggressive economic stance, including proposed tariff increases on Chinese imports, could significantly impact China’s already struggling economy. Meanwhile, his national security team prioritizes countering the Chinese regime’s military ambitions, particularly regarding Taiwan. Beijing is particularly wary of Rubio’s strong support for Taiwan.
The report argues that the PLA remains primarily focused on maintaining CCP rule rather than preparing for high-intensity warfare. Its ability to function as a modern, combat-ready force is hindered by political control, recruitment difficulties, and structural inefficiencies.
While China’s arsenal includes stealth aircraft and hypersonic missiles, its real-world combat performance remains untested. History has shown that advanced weaponry alone does not guarantee battlefield success, raising doubts about the PLA’s capability to conduct complex joint operations in modern warfare.
A major obstacle to the PLA’s effectiveness is CCP political oversight, which prioritizes Party loyalty over combat readiness. Its dual-command structure, where political commissars share authority with military officers, hinders battlefield decision-making and limits operational flexibility.
This internal structure, combined with deep-seated corruption—including fraudulent procurement and mismanagement within China’s Rocket Force—has significantly weakened its operational readiness. Additionally, the PLA has not fought a war since 1979, raising doubts about its ability to conduct complex joint operations necessary for modern warfare.
The report also casts doubt on the Chinese regime’s ability to launch a successful invasion of Taiwan, despite warnings from some analysts that Beijing could gain a decisive military edge by 2027. While China continues to expand its military arsenal, the PLA faces major logistical and integration challenges, making a large-scale amphibious assault highly risky.
U.S. intelligence assessments suggest widespread corruption within China’s defense sector has forced Xi to focus more on internal military reforms than external conflicts. As China’s economy slows and domestic challenges mount, the PLA’s primary role may shift even further toward regime security rather than external military engagements.
Despite its weaknesses, the PLA should not be underestimated. China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and advances in hypersonic weaponry signal serious war preparations, but its approach to a Taiwan conflict may emphasize strategic coercion over total war. Instead of direct military confrontation with the United States, Beijing may rely on economic pressure, cyber warfare, and influence operations to assert its power. Regardless of the PLA’s capabilities, communist China remains the primary threat to the United States and Taiwan and cannot be ignored.
At the same time, Trump is the kind of president who will pursue U.S. foreign policy based on what he believes serves American interests, regardless of Beijing’s objections. This puts China in a difficult position—either stand and fight or acquiesce. As tensions over Taiwan escalate, the two countries are increasingly locked in a strategic standoff.
