Why a ‘Venezuela-Style Snatch’ of Taiwan’s Leaders Could Prove Tricky for China

Hong Kong: Some Chinese online users are calling for a lightning Venezuela-style snatch of Taiwan’s leaders in a prelude to taking over the island, but analysts, scholars and security officials say China’s modernising military is still far from ready. In Taiwan, they say, China’s military has an adversary which has prepared for years against a “decapitation operation” on its leaders, besides extensive air defences and radar capabilities, as well as likely support from the United States and its allies. Although China has spent years acquiring advanced weapons, questions remain about the capabilities of its People’s Liberation Army in using them…