Can China attempt a Venezuela-style operation against Taiwan?

Key Highlights

• It has extensive air defences, advanced radar systems and early-warning capabilities.
• Analysts also point to the likelihood of support from the United States and its allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADPLA modernisation raises questionsAlthough China has invested heavily in advanced weapons over the years, doubts remain about the People’s Liberation Army’s ability to deploy them effectively.
• Analysts question whether the PLA’s command structure can integrate different capabilities smoothly during combat.“Once such an operation runs into trouble, it would quickly escalate into a full-scale conflict, with extremely high political and military risk,” said Chen Kuan-ting, a lawmaker from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic People’s Party. More from World 'It's up to Xi': Is that Trump's new position on Taiwan?
• China sanctions Japanese lawmaker for calling Taiwan an independent stateHe said Taiwan’s layered air defence and early warning systems mean any air assault or special-operations infiltration crossing the Taiwan Strait would likely be detected, increasing the risk of escalation. US operation highlights capability gapThe United States recently demonstrated its military reach during an operation to extract Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
• The mission showcased air dominance through the use of stealth fighters, aircraft that jammed enemy defences, and covert reconnaissance drones and satellites providing real-time intelligence to commanders. By comparison, the PLA still faces shortcomings.