This has raised questions about the battle readiness of the world’s largest fighting force and Beijing’s ability to mount large-scale military operations, such as one targeting Taiwan.
However, most analysts interviewed by the South China Morning Post agreed that any disruption would be short-lived.
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Two top Chinese military generals removed, under investigation for ‘serious violations’
They said the shake-up reflected Beijing’s calculation that although cross-strait ties had deteriorated under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan, the risk of the island making a decisive move towards formal independence remained contained.
Meanwhile, under President Donald Trump, the United States appears keen on preserving the Taiwan Strait status quo while prioritising consolidation of its position in the western hemisphere.