TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan could become China's first target if President Xi Jinping (習近平) seeks a fourth term in 2027, a senior Taiwanese official warned Friday (Sept. 26). Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung (沈有忠) of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會), Taiwan's top China policy body, delivered the stark assessment during an academic seminar. Shen highlighted Taiwan's precarious position amid anticipated geopolitical shifts during a potential second Trump presidency.
Shen characterized Xi's leadership trajectory as increasingly dangerous, describing China as a ticking time bomb after three terms of power consolidation and ideological manipulation. The deputy minister warned that Taiwan would become Xi's first strategic target in any comprehensive struggle against the United States. Such conflict could cascade across the Pacific, potentially affecting Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland.
Shen presented evidence of China's escalating gray zone operations, economic coercion, and cognitive warfare campaigns targeting Taiwan's sovereignty. The deputy minister identified China as Taiwan's sole external hostile force during the seminar's question-and-answer session. He warned of China's increased unpredictability, suggesting Xi might launch anti-U.S. operations once Beijing prepares for international sanctions.
Shen called for Taiwan's unity and stronger international cooperation to deter potential Chinese invasion timing. The deputy minister highlighted Taiwan's superior economic, military, and geographical advantages compared to Ukraine in any potential conflict scenario. He emphasized that national unity represents Taiwan's primary deficiency in confronting the Chinese threat. ◼
