Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : On the surface, a hypothetical U.S. military strike on Iran, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," is a Middle Eastern affair. But in the corridors of power in Beijing, this war game is being analyzed with intense focus, as it carries a chilling and unmistakable message directly relevant to China's ambitions toward Taiwan.
The simulation wasn't just about targeting Iran; it was a masterclass in projecting power across the globe. The scenario involved B-2 stealth bombers taking off from Missouri, flying a non-stop, 20-hour mission to strike fortified targets, and returning to the American mainland. The most crucial detail for Beijing: this was achieved without relying on vulnerable forward bases in the region.
This demonstration of long-range strike capability has profound implications for the Indo-Pacific and dramatically alters the strategic calculus for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
The Old Assumption: A Quick, Decisive Strike
For years, China's military strategists planning a potential invasion of Taiwan have operated on a key assumption: they could neutralize nearby U.S. military bases in Japan and Guam in a swift, pre-emptive strike. By knocking out America's regional assets, they believed they could create a fait accompli—taking Taiwan before the U.S. could mount a significant and effective response.
The New Reality: A Strike from the American Heartland
"Operation Midnight Hammer" shatters that assumption. It demonstrates that the U.S. doesn't need those Pacific bases to retaliate with overwhelming force. Even if China were to successfully attack U.S. assets in the region, America's fleet of long-range bombers, operating from the safety of their home bases, could still launch devastating strikes against critical military targets, command centers, and infrastructure on the Chinese mainland.
This changes the entire strategic equation for Beijing. An invasion of Taiwan is no longer just a regional conflict that can be won by dominating the immediate area. It now carries the risk of direct, catastrophic strikes on the heart of China itself.
The key takeaway for China is that the potential cost of an attack on Taiwan has just skyrocketed. While ostensibly about Iran, this powerful demonstration of U.S. resolve and capability sends a clear signal across the Pacific, forcing Beijing to think twice and recalculate the immense risks of such an adventure.
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