Upcoming Taiwan Election Could Determine China’s Next Move: Experts

While the United States is distracted by domestic and international engagements, concern mounts that Beijing may finally move to end Taiwan’s autonomy.

Taiwanese flags on a street lane as tourists walk past in Taiwan's Kinmen Islands, on Aug. 11, 2022. Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images

Events in 2024 could spur China to attack Taiwan, including the United States’ involvement with simultaneous military conflicts abroad and the distraction of the November presidential election, security and risk analysts say.

Moreover, some experts say the outcome of Taiwan’s Jan. 13 general election will be a critical element in whether Beijing escalates its aggression with the island nation.