China’s Forever War: What If a Taiwan Invasion Fails?

Authors

Joel Wuthnow, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

Key Points

• A failed People’s Republic of China (PRC) attempt to seize Taiwan would only be one step in a much longer conflict. Beijing will learn, rebuild, and may try again.
• Beijing would be more risk acceptant if its leaders face threats of removal. This could invite further escalation to quell domestic critics and reset battlefield conditions.
• In a post-invasion aftermath, deterrence must be quickly reestablished, but in such a way that does not imperil the PRC leadership’s survival.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

East Asia

Publication Date

10-2024

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Recommended Citation

Wuthnow, Joel, "China’s Forever War: What If a Taiwan Invasion Fails?" (2024). Strategic Forums. 118.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-forums/118