Elbridge Colby warns that China's primary military tool is the fait accompli, which involves using brute force to conquer and hold key territory before the U.S. can effectively react. This approach avoids a long conflict that might catalyze international

Elbridge Colby warns that China's primary military tool is the fait accompli, which involves using brute force to conquer and hold key territory before the U.S. can effectively react. This approach avoids a long conflict that might catalyze international resolve. Colby notes that constant "gray zone" activities, such as air provocations, are intended to dull warning systems and weaken Taiwanese defenses through exhaustion. If China successfully seizes Taiwan, they could then use the same threat of a fait accompli against the Philippines, potentially causing the entire U.S.-led security architecture in Asia to collapse or become irreparably compromised. (4/8)
AUG 1930