China's Taiwan Plans: Learning from US's Yemen Strategy

China is closely observing the US's military actions in Yemen. This is not just about the conflict itself, but about what China can learn for its own potential military moves. The US has been actively involved in Yemen since mid-March 2025, using aircraft carriers and other naval forces to target the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This has given China a real-time case study in modern naval warfare. The US's operations in Yemen have shown the world how aircraft carriers can be used in various ways. They have also demonstrated how to defend against a range of threats, from missiles to drones. This is valuable information for China, which has its own plans for a potential invasion of Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 requires the US to provide defensive arms to Taiwan. This means that Taiwan is not defenseless and has been developing its own military capabilities. China's military, the People's Liberation Army Navy, needs to prepare for more than just traditional naval warfare. They must consider how Taiwan and other regional actors might use cheaper, more survivable weapons systems. These could include missiles capable of striking China's naval fleet. This is a big deal because China's navy is one of the largest in the world. But size isn't everything in modern warfare.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have shown that drones and shore-based weapons can challenge even the most advanced naval assets. This is something that China needs to take into account. The US's operations in Yemen have also highlighted the importance of sustained operations and superb intelligence. Simply destroying infrastructure isn't enough. The US has expended a significant amount of munitions in Yemen, raising concerns about weapons stockpiles. China is also watching how the US maintains its global military presence. The US has a strong network of overseas bases, which allow it to sustain operations far from home. China currently has two overseas military outposts, but it is looking to expand this network. This is part of China's broader strategy to project and sustain military power at greater distances. The US's operations in Yemen have also shown the importance of joint force actions. Asymmetric foes like the Houthis require a coordinated response from different branches of the military. The US has been carrying a significant load in maintaining open sea lines of communication in the Red Sea. This has allowed it to focus on other strategic areas, like the Indo-Pacific. The Houthi rebels' weapon systems might not be very sophisticated. However, the complexity of their attacks is still relevant in a potential conflict between major powers. This is something that China is paying close attention to. The US's operations in Yemen have provided a wealth of information for China to consider as it plans for its own potential military moves.

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