US ‘decapitation’ strike on Venezuela sparks PLA copycat fears in Taiwan
Taipei says its military stands ready, but security experts warn about Beijing’s ability to quickly pivot from drills to actual combat

The anxiety has been amplified by the People’s Liberation Army’s two-day drills around Taiwan last week, parts of which simulated joint operations aimed at paralysing political and military command structures – a scenario analysts say echoes elements of leadership “decapitation”.
While Taiwanese officials insist their armed forces are prepared for all contingencies, security experts have warned Taipei not to rule out such a possibility as Beijing refines its ability to pivot rapidly from exercises to real-world operations.
The shocking raid has triggered heated debate in Taiwan, with supporters of the US action saying it showcased Washington’s unrivalled precision, intelligence integration and operational reach.
