Venezuela-style operation on Taiwan's leader could be difficult for China

Some Chinese online users have suggested a Venezuela-style snatch of Taiwan's leaders, while analysts and Taiwan officials say China's military still has gaps in joint-operations experience and that Taiwan has layered air defences and early warning systems.

Some Chinese online users have urged a Venezuela-style snatch of Taiwan's leaders, according to reporting. Analysts, scholars and security officials say the People's Liberation Army is not yet fully prepared for such high-risk operations. Taiwan has spent years preparing against so-called decapitation operations and has layered air defences and early-warning systems. The United States' recent extraction operation in Venezuela was cited by some online commentators, and Taiwan continues to strengthen its defences. Key points: - Chinese social media included posts proposing a rapid extraction of Taiwan's leadership modeled on the U.S. operation in Venezuela. - Analysts and Taiwanese officials report that the PLA still faces gaps in joint-operations experience, electronic-warfare capabilities and combat validation, while Taiwan has layered air defences and early-warning systems. - There is no public official confirmation of any planned extraction operation, and no next official procedural step has been announced. Summary: Officials and experts say an attempt to seize Taiwan's leaders would carry high political and military risk and could quickly escalate. Taiwan's preparedness and likely external support add further complexity. Undetermined at this time.