Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis? Examining the Implications of PLA Exercises Following Pelosi's Taiwan Visit from the Perspective of Strategic Deterrence

In Communist China's official publications, the concept of "strategic deterrence" is invariably referred to as an important means of maintaining national security and development. A flexible use of such means can help shape favorable conditions, deter armed conflict and war, slow down the breakout of war, prevent war escalation, avoid or minimize war damage, and maintain national security and development for the expansion of national interests. It is a concept that has been gaining more and more traction in recent years. This article examines Chinese military documents and strategic scholars' concept of strategic deterrence, offering the logic and perspectives of PRC use of military force. Secondly, this research evaluates PLA's military building and the characters from use of military force through the PLA conducting large-scale military drills after U.S. House Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Lastly, this paper shows how the PLA's moves can directly or indirectly affect the situation in the Taiwan Strait, regional security, and even global stability and prosperity.