June 5, 2024
Wednesday Open Comments
The mainland Chinese military (PLA) have been conducting ever more aggressive drills that look like an open invasion plan for Taiwan. The latest rounds of drills began with after the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president last week, but much of the news was sidelined here stateside in order to bring us corner-to-crevice coverage of Donald Trump. As always, the American news media have their eyes firmly fixed on what really matters.
The Australian news covered some of the more hair-raising of the PLA’s activities, such as the mockup of the Chinese capital and the government district that was apparently used to practice decapitating the Taiwan government.
A mockup of Taiwan’s presidential palace has been built in a remote desert military training ground. There’s also a replica of the streetscape around Taipei’s parliament house and executive government centres.
These would likely be the target of pre-positioned agents and a fast helicopter assault.
At the same time, precision strikes and special forces would be aimed at securing the island nation’s key ports. A reinforcement unit of marines would then likely rush up the river through the heart of Taipei to help secure the government district.
Maybe there would be some benefit for our country to pay closer attention to stuff that matters before it happens, rather than focusing on celebrity political infotainment. Or maybe that’s just too much to ask.
Good morning.
"A mockup of Taiwan’s presidential palace has been built in a remote desert military training ground. There’s also a replica of the streetscape around Taipei’s parliament house and executive government centres."
This reminds me of the preparation for the October 7 attack on Israel, which included mockups of the kibbutzim to help the attackers plan the murders and kidnappings.
This headline from the WaPo seems appropriate for today's topic:
Deceased New Jersey congressman wins Democratic primary election
Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.) died following a heart attack in April. More than a month later, he won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 10th District.