Is China gearing up for Putin-style 'special operation'?

[Kamaji]

Is China gearing up for Putin-style 'special operation'? Fears for Taiwan as Xi signs directive allowing for 'non-war' use of military in echo of tactic used by Russia before Ukraine invasion

By WALTER FINCH FOR MAILONLINE
15 June 2022

China could be taking a leaf out of Russia's playbook by trialling a new directive which would expand the use of its burgeoning military for 'non-war' purposes.

The directive, signed by President Xi Jinping, raises concerns Beijing could be paving the way for an invasion of Taiwan under the misnomer of a 'special military operation'.

Coming in into effect on Wednesday, the directive could provide Beijing with the cover it needs to launch an assault on Taipei without the legal complications or international condemnation that comes with declaring war.

Xinhua news agency said the document will provide 'the legal basis for troops to carry out military operations other than war', such as peacekeeping operations, disaster relief and humanitarian efforts.

The directive has not been published in full but it aims to maintain 'national sovereignty ... regional stability and regulating the organisation and implementation of non-war military operations'.

Russia invaded its neighbour Ukraine - a relationship with eerie parallels to the one between China and Taiwan - under the pretext of a 'special military operation' that fell short of a declared war. It is punishable by 15 years in jail in Russia to call the invasion a war.

But just as Ukraine has proven to be a very prickly porcupine against the Russian bear, Taiwan has warned China that it has the capacity to hit back in retaliation for any hostile military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

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Source:  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10920293/Is-China-gearing-Putin-style-special-operation-invasion-Taiwan.html

[GtHawk]

Well okay just so long as it's a small incursion.