US Marine Corps Deputy Commander Reveals China's Potential 'First Strike' Targets on Taiwan
According to US Marine Corps Deputy Commander Stephen Sklenka, if conflict arises in Taiwan, the Chinese People's Liberation Army's 'first strike' would focus on infrastructure rather than American infantry or air forces. This perspective has ignited discussions in the US Congress, emphasizing that the area of engagement is no longer confined to the First Island Chain.
Earlier this month, China conducted a 'Taiwan encirclement military exercise,' using a long-range rocket artillery referred to as the 'Overseas Killer' in a simulation modeled to directly destroy Taiwan’s ports and energy facilities. Sklenka highlighted that cyber and electronic attacks on critical infrastructure are anticipated threats.
Scholarly insights from Raymond Kuo suggest Taiwan's situation mirrors Ukraine's, where refraining from a preemptive strike may preserve international support's legitimacy, even amidst diminishing deterrence.
