Chinese mainland experts have denounced the collaboration between the US and “Taiwan independence” secessionist forces, emphasizing the increased risk of conflict following the recent approval of a $300 million sale of military data link equipment to Taiwan by the US.
According to a Pentagon release cited by Reuters on Saturday, the US State Department greenlit the sale of equipment aimed at maintaining Taiwan’s tactical information systems. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency mentioned that the sale is for follow-on life cycle support to sustain Taiwan’s Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) capabilities. Taiwan’s defense authority asserted that the sale would enhance joint combat command and control systems, improving battlefield awareness.
Military expert Wei Dongxu explained that C4 systems, consisting of equipment and software, enhance the data processing capability of Taiwan’s armed forces. The upgrade aims to enable better joint operations when other items from US arms sales are delivered. Wei also highlighted the possibility of the US gathering intelligence from the C4 systems it sells to Taiwan.
Despite US support for tactical information systems, experts emphasized that Taiwan remains an integral part of China, and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) holds significant advantages over Taiwan’s armed forces. C4 systems are critical targets in modern warfare, making them susceptible to precision strikes and electronic or cyber warfare.
The experts argued that the US is sending the wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” secessionist forces ahead of the upcoming regional leader election in January 2024, risking regional peace and stability. By intensifying arms sales to Taiwan, the US has heightened the risk of conflict in the Asia-Pacific region and provoked China on core interests.
Analysts warned that US military training exercises and reports on potential clashes with China, including over Taiwan, might lead Taiwan to believe in US military intervention, putting the island in a precarious position. Mainland analysts questioned whether US soldiers would be willing to sacrifice for “Taiwan independence” secessionists. Despite potential worst-case scenarios, the PLA is prepared and confident in safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development interests, according to experts.