Xi Jinping Nears Taiwan Invasion Amid Economic Struggles and Military Advances

The prospect of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is considered imminent by many analysts, with Xi Jinping's decision influenced by 13 critical factors including military readiness, economic challenges, Taiwan's growing pro-independence sentiment, and the strategic importance of Taiwan's semiconductor industry. While China's military still requires further modernization and its economy faces difficulties, these factors alone may not delay an invasion, as postponement risks losing current advantages. The U.S. and Taiwan face significant challenges, including China's extensive espionage and cyber warfare capabilities, which threaten to undermine Taiwan's defenses and infrastructure before any U.S. intervention can occur. Additionally, China's use of AI-driven disinformation campaigns and deepfake technology exacerbates Taiwan's vulnerabilities, as Taiwan lacks sufficient defensive technological and regulatory frameworks to counter these threats effectively. The rapid advancement of AI, along with China's ambitions in this field, adds a dangerous dimension to the conflict, particularly as Taiwan's semiconductor industry is critical to the global tech supply chain. These developments underscore the urgent need for enhanced U.S.-Taiwan cooperation and preparedness amid deteriorating U.S.-China relations and increasing Chinese military assertiveness toward Taiwan.