Fears for Taiwan as China lays groundwork for its own 'special military operation'

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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/06/14/xi-jinpings-approval-non-war-military-use-raises-fears-taiwan/
Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed a directive allowing for “non-war” uses of the military - raising concerns it could pave the way for an invasion of Taiwan that would be labelled a “special military operation” instead of a war, just as Russia has done in Ukraine.

The directive, which comes into effect on Wednesday, provides “the legal basis for troops to carry out military operations other than war”, state media reported.

Xinhua news agency did not publish the order in full but said the document aims to maintain “national sovereignty ... regional stability and regulating the organization and implementation of non-war military operations” alongside objectives such as providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid abroad.

The move comes amid heightened tensions with Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China sees as a breakaway province. China’s ruling Communist Party has never governed Taiwan, but Mr Xi, who is seeking an unprecedented third term in office, has made China’s stated “re-unification” with Taiwan part of his public mission.