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Beijing is aggressively transforming its eastern coastline into a strategic platform for potential missile strikes, primarily targeting taiwan and surrounding waters. This escalating military development underscores Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambition to exert control over Taiwan and challenge American influence throughout Asia, employing a strategy of overwhelming force.
Rapid Missile Stockpile Growth
Table of Contents
- 1. Rapid Missile Stockpile Growth
- 2. Training and Deployment patterns
- 3. What are the potential ramifications of China disrupting Taiwan’s semiconductor production on the global economy?
- 4. Taiwan under Threat: Navigating the Tensions of Missiles and Diplomatic Strains
- 5. The Escalating military Pressure
- 6. Diplomatic Isolation and International Response
- 7. Economic Vulnerabilities and Resilience
- 8. Taiwan’s Defense Capabilities
Recent assessments from the Pentagon estimate that China’s Rocket Force-the division responsible for both nuclear and conventional missiles-has increased its arsenal by nearly 50 percent in the last four years, now possessing approximately 3,500 missiles. While the specific number deployed toward Taiwan remains unclear,satellite imagery reveals substantial expansion and upgrades at missile bases across the eastern seaboard in recent years.
These bases are now fielding elegant weaponry, including the DF-17, a hypersonic missile renowned for its maneuverability and resistance to interception. Additionally, the DF-26-dubbed the “Guam Express” by some analysts-is being deployed, possessing the range to strike American military installations in the Western Pacific.
Training and Deployment patterns
Chinese military personnel have been observed conducting missile launch drills from diverse locations along the coast, including agricultural fields, secluded valleys, and sites near major roadways. These exercises simulate potential combat scenarios against Taiwan, which lies roughly 100 miles across the strait.