Just days after Chinese President Xi Jinping was re-elected for a historic third term, 3 new generals have been appointed to China’s highest national defence organisation, the Central Military Commission. Experts say it could be a sign that Xi is ensuring that there is no dissent should he decide to forcibly take control of Taiwan. China considers the self-ruled island a breakaway province, but Taiwan sees itself as its own nation. Some analysts believe that the drawn-out conflict in Ukraine may have reinforced Xi’s thinking that any military action would have to be swift. One is Alexander Neill, who says China’s thinking on Taiwan is that there is “no room for dithering”, and ensuring the military is aligned with Xi minimises the risk of time-wasting debate. Note: it’s not speculation that this is on Xi’s mind… Earlier this month, he said that “reunification” with Taiwan “will be realised”.