Q&A · 2:39:06-2:39:24

Can Xi force a decision to invade Taiwan?

Xi Jinping's ability to force the issue through the Politburo Standing Committee depends on shifting personalities and personal influence.

Chinese Politics Civil Military Relations Taiwan Xi Jinping

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Question

Does Xi Jinping control the Politburo Standing Committee strongly enough to force the Taiwan issue?

Short answer

That depends on changing committee personalities and Xi Jinping's influence over them; no fixed judgment is offered.

Notes

Xi Jinping's ability to force a decision depends on the Standing Committee's personalities and his influence over them. That balance is described as changing from day to day. No fixed answer is offered about whether he can impose a Taiwan decision.