The keys to any Chinese military action against Taiwan would first be deterrence of US intervention and then, if an attack is initiated, limiting America's capacity and will to respond. If China elects to use military measures to secure national unity, its primary goal will be to achieve a quick outcome through surprise, speed, and deception. America's space-dependent information infrastructure presents an alluring target, making a non-lethal strike against US space assets a likely precursor or adjunct to an attack. A 1999 article in the PLA-affiliated Kuang Chiao Ching journal described electronic, information, and ASAT warfare as essential ingredients of a cross-strait conflict. A recent RAND report argues that an information attack to degrade regional American military might would be a probable course of action for Beijing. Attacking American space assets is a powerful, potentially deniable, and perhaps most importantly, non-lethal option that would dramatically hinder the ability of US forces to react rapidly or effectively.

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France, Martin E.B. and Richard J. Adams. "The Chinese Threat to US Superiority." High Frontier Journal. Vol. 1, No. 3 (Winter 2005): 17-22. [ 12 quotes ] [ page 19 ]