Big countries often use force to show strength. India sent airstrikes into Pakistan in 2019 and 2025 Op-Sindoor. It was quick and limited, but sent a clear message. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and the invasion is still ongoing to date. The U.S. has pushed hard too—its latest ground and air attack against Venezuela and capturing their leaders is the latest in the sequence of these offensives by major powers.

Now, people wonder about China. This giant economy has grown fast without big fights. But under leader Xi Jinping, talk of pride runs high.  With over $300 billion for defense and super-fast weapons, its stage is always set, because China is the one country that has land and sea disputes with almost every neighbour it has.

Might China launch a quick hit? Maybe on small Taiwan islands or spots claimed by the Philippines. It could prove China belongs with the tough players.

This seems possible. Home crowds push Xi to unite with Taiwan. World trade splits, make money less of a brake. But dangers are huge. A Taiwan war could pull in the U.S., wreck global goods, and hit China with sanctions worse than Russia’s. Also, not to forget, Taiwan might not be as soft a target as Venezuela (as it seems for now as per latest updates).

2026 has started with a new war and invasion of Venezuela by the USA, and something tells that this pattern is not going to stop sooner. This gives China a reason to flex some power and the extent of this flex will be known only in the future as and when it materialises.