The US “decapitation-style” operation against Venezuela’s leadership has heightened concerns in Taiwan that Beijing could one day attempt a similar strike against the island, even though Taipei has played down such a possibility.
The anxiety has been amplified by the People’s Liberation Army’s two-day drills around Taiwan last week, parts of which simulated joint operations aimed at paralysing political and military command structures – a scenario analysts say echoes elements of leadership “decapitation”.
While Taiwanese officials insist their armed forces are prepared for all contingencies, security experts have warned Taipei not to rule out such a possibility as Beijing refines its ability to pivot rapidly from exercises to real-world operations.
US forces on Saturday were reported to have carried out a surprise, intelligence-driven operation in the Venezuelan capital, swiftly capturing president Nicolas Maduro and his wife and transporting them to New York to stand trial on narco-terrorism and other charges. The US side incurred no casualties, according to the White House.
03:31
Trump pledges to keep Venezuelan oil flowing to China after Maduro capture
Trump pledges to keep Venezuelan oil flowing to China after Maduro capture
The shocking raid has triggered heated debate in Taiwan, with supporters of the US action saying it showcased Washington’s unrivalled precision, intelligence integration and operational reach.
PLA, Venezuela, Texas, Su Tzu-yun, American Enterprise Institute, South America, Cheng Li-wun, Sam Houston State University, Taipei, Nicholas Maduro, Washington, KMT, China, Beijing, Institute for National Defense and Security Research, Hsu Szu-chien, Johns Hopkins University, People's Liberation Army, Taiwan Strait, US, Hal Brands, Trump, Chen Kuo-ming, William Lai Ching-te, Inner Mongolia, Taiwan, Dennis Lu-chung Weng#decapitation #strike #Venezuela #sparks #PLA #copycat #fears #Taiwan1767618855
American Enterprise Institute
Beijing
Chen Kuo-ming
Cheng Li-wun
China
copycat
decapitation
Dennis Lu-chung Weng
fears
Hal Brands
Hsu Szu-chien
Inner Mongolia
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
Johns Hopkins University
KMT
Nicholas Maduro
People's Liberation Army
PLA
Sam Houston State University
South America
sparks
strike
Su Tzu-yun
Taipei
Taiwan
Taiwan Strait
Texas
Trump
US
Venezuela
Washington
William Lai Ching-te
