The PLA and Taiwan Policy under Xi Jinping: One Joint Actor without Its Own Agenda

Abstract

After the Chinese Communist Party`s 18th Party Congress was held in the fall of 2012, frequently asked questions were: Is Xi Jinping able to rein in the Chinese People`s Liberation Army (PLA) and what is the state of Chinese party-military relations? What are the implications of this status for the PLA in China s Taiwan policy-making? What is the potential impact of Taiwan’s leadership transition on China’s Taiwan policy and on the PLA`s role? This author argues that through a stick and carrot approach, Xi has become the leader of China, and has been able to rein in the PLA. His proactive and assertive approach in the context of China`s growing capabilities has empowered him to control the discourse of Taiwan policy. In these circumstances; the PLA will continue to be one joint actor within the relevant apparatus executing Taiwan policy without its own agenda. Uncertainty as a result of the ruling party rotation in Taiwan is unlikely to change the PLA`s role.