China removed its top Army general last weekend and what many analysts see as a move to cement loyalty to President Xi Jinping.

It is rattling Taiwan in one of its islands, Kinmen, that is much closer to China than Taiwan,

amid already heightened fears that the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro could embolden China to mimic the move against Taipei. Special correspondent

Patrick Falk has more. In the distance, Siamen, part of mainland China. On a day as clear as this,

you can see just how close it is. This is Kinman, an archipelago administered by Taipei, even though the main island of Taiwan

lies more than 100 miles away.

Its proximity to the mainland has put it on the front line of cross-strait confrontations.

These anti-landing spikes are remnants of its Cold War defenses decades ago to prevent

an amphibious invasion by China.

Practically speaking, its use is now limited. Warfare has changed considerably.

What remains on this beach is a stark reminder of the battlefield.

Chongsenpao is a local counsellor.

He's lived here his whole life and like many people from Kinmen, is numb to communist aggression.

Only weeks ago, China launched some of its largest ever live-fire war games,

assimilating a blockade of Taiwan.

In recent years, Beijing's ramped up its military muscle against the

island, which it considers its own, but has stopped short of invading. Since the shock capture

of Venezuela's leader, some believe that could change.

It's quite possible that one day China might adopt a similar approach or methodology to wage

war, directly targeting Taiwan's capital or presidential office.

Washington's operation in Caracas drew swift condemnation from China, calling it a violation

of international law.

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