Part 10/16:
Central to Chang’s analysis is his cautious view about the likelihood of direct military conflict. While China’s military remains unprepared for a full-scale war, Chang notes that Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s domestic pressures and nationalist sentiments could trigger unintended escalation. Chang cited the example of Xi’s fear of losing legitimacy should conflict with Taiwan or the U.S. spiral out of control, suggesting that Beijing is doing everything to avoid open war now but remains deeply involved in shadowy strategic operations.