The U.S. must navigate the complexities of a potential Taiwan conflict concerning China while preventing nuclear escalation. The evolving nature of China's nuclear capabilities demands a more nuanced approach from the U.S. military, especially regarding its operational strategies, per commentary from RAND Corporation.

The issue:  

The potential for a U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan poses significant escalatory risks, particularly due to China's secure second-strike nuclear capability. This situation complicates U.S. military strategy, as any conventional strike could provoke unpredictable Chinese nuclear responses.

What they recommend:  

The report suggests that the Department of Defense (DoD) should prepare for Chinese nuclear signaling and effectively communicate strategic intentions with China. Additionally, the DoD must plan for the implications of emerging technologies on U.S.-China escalation dynamics and engage allies on their perspectives regarding Chinese thresholds for escalation.

Go deeper:  

Understanding that numerous factors influence Chinese nuclear first-use decisions, such as political stability and technological advancements, is crucial. The report identifies six specific U.S. military actions that could significantly increase the likelihood of nuclear escalation from China. Preparing for these scenarios is essential for effective crisis management and deterrence.

This is a brief overview of a report from RAND Corporation. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full report.