The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has reportedly carried out drills simulating its response to a Chinese seizure of Taiwan for the first time, according to accounts in the media, reflecting rising concern in Washington that Beijing may try to seize control of the self-governing island by force. It’s unusual for USASOC to identify the opposition force so directly, “given the military’s hesitancy to overtly suggest conflict,” according to Military.com.
In this case, it seems, the intention was to do just that—suggest conflict. “The P.R.C., in accordance with our national defense strategy, is our true pacing challenge out there,” Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of USASOC, said in a speech before the exercise on April 27. “Ultimately, what we’re trying to do is prevent World War III. That’s our job.”
