Taiwan is closely watching what it called “abnormal” changes in China’s military leadership after one of Beijing’s top generals was placed under investigation. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Taipei will use a combination of intelligence and surveillance to understand China’s intentions.
On Saturday, China announced that Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and second-in-command under President Xi Jinping, along with another senior officer, Liu Zhenli, were being investigated for serious violations of law and discipline.
Zhang is considered one of Xi’s closest military allies and one of the few senior Chinese officers with combat experience, having participated in the 1979 border conflict with Vietnam. His investigation signals a significant development in China’s military hierarchy.
Koo told reporters in Taiwan’s parliament that the Ministry of Defense is monitoring more than just single leadership changes. “We will continue to closely watch abnormal changes among the top levels of China’s party, government, and military leadership. The military’s position is based on the fact that China has never abandoned the use of force against Taiwan,” he said.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, frequently sends warplanes and warships near the island. Taipei describes these activities as harassment, intended to pressure the Taiwanese government into accepting Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Taiwan plans to rely on a variety of intelligence methods, including joint surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-sharing, to assess Beijing’s next moves. “What we want is a comprehensive grasp of all indicators—military and non-military—reflecting China’s intentions and actions, and then make an integrated overall assessment,” Koo said, without providing further details.
China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Late last month, it conducted a new round of military exercises near the island. Taiwan maintains that only the people of the island can determine their future.
Taiwan’s close monitoring of leadership changes in China highlights rising tensions in the region. Analysts say any major shift among top military leaders in Beijing could influence China’s approach to Taiwan, including its frequent shows of force in surrounding airspace and waters.
The investigation of a key military figure like Zhang Youxia may also have broader implications for China’s domestic military politics. While it is unclear whether this will lead to policy changes toward Taiwan, Taipei is clearly taking a cautious and intelligence-driven approach to anticipate possible risks.
