“Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged the military to deepen war and combat planning to increase the chances of victory in actual combat, Xinhua news agency said, renewing his call to troops to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territory.
Xi said the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change and China’s security situation has become more unstable and uncertain, according to state-run Xinhua, in comments he made to troops while on an inspection tour of the Eastern Theater Command.”
Analyst Comment: We continue to assess that China is at least 18 months away from any direct action on Taiwan. China is pushing for modernization and improved readiness of its military in preparation for conflict, but also signalling it is unprepared for a major war at the present time. An imminent invasion of Taiwan is unlikely.