The US needs Taiwan to defend Taiwan

Communist China’s Plan to Invade Taiwan: Urgent Changes Needed for Successful Defense

Communist‌ China has⁤ set its sights on invading Taiwan, potentially igniting a catastrophic Sino-American war. However, repelling ​this invasion requires more than just U.S. involvement. Taiwan must take charge of defending its own sovereignty, and time is of the essence.

In his annual ‍New Year’s Eve⁢ address,​ Xi ⁤Jinping, the head of the CCP, once again emphasized China’s⁢ determination to seize Taiwan, declaring that “the ‍motherland will ⁢surely be reunited.” China’s actions align with Xi’s strong rhetoric.

In 2023, the Chinese‍ government announced a significant 7.2%⁣ increase ⁢in its defense budget, which had already doubled over the past decade. Experts have pointed out that China is actively reducing its reliance on foreign grain imports, implementing new military readiness laws, and constructing or upgrading air-raid shelters and wartime emergency hospitals.

Taiwan’s minister‌ of national⁢ defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has issued a warning that ⁣China will possess the capability for a⁣ “full-scale” invasion by 2025. ​However, concerns remain regarding Taiwan’s preparedness.

In 2023, the Taiwanese government revealed plans to increase defense ‍spending to $19.1 billion, representing a mere 3.5% increase from the previous⁤ year’s budget and a meager 2.6% of the nation’s GDP.

By comparison, both Poland and Israel have significantly bolstered their defense budgets, accounting for 4% ‍and 6% of their respective GDPs. Despite facing threats from⁢ Russia and Iran,⁣ whose military and economic power pale in comparison to China’s, neither Warsaw nor Jerusalem confronts an‌ invasion that could sever‍ supply lines. If‍ China ‍were to invade Taiwan, resupply from the U.S. and allies would ⁤be ​extremely challenging, if not impossible.

Taiwanese officials acknowledge that the ⁣country has consistently increased ⁤its defense budget in recent years, allocating a greater proportion of its GDP to the military than most NATO ⁤member​ states.‍ However, given the‌ magnitude of the threat posed by China, this remains insufficient. It​ is also ⁣important not to view⁣ free-riding NATO member states like Germany⁢ as models for defense spending.

Public opinion polls indicate that a majority ⁣of Taiwanese citizens are willing to fight if China​ resorts‌ to force for⁤ reunification. Taiwanese people⁤ are⁣ well aware ‌of the potential⁢ fate of their⁣ vibrant democracy under Beijing’s rule, as​ demonstrated by China’s suppression of democratic forces in Hong Kong. However, popular sentiment ⁣alone cannot defeat ‌China’s‌ People’s Liberation Army; it requires ⁢substantial military strength. This is a cause for ‌concern.

For years, Taiwan neglected investing in coastal ⁣defense⁣ and asymmetric capabilities, ⁤instead focusing on expensive weapons platforms that‍ would be easily outmatched by China.‌ While Taiwan has recently changed course, ⁤the scale and urgency of these efforts⁣ remain insufficient. Deterrence and defense of Taiwan necessitate both immediate action and drastic changes.

A Sino-American conflict would be the‍ most⁤ devastating war the world has seen in eight decades. Taiwan is a crucial ⁢partner, with its significance extending‌ beyond semiconductors and democracy. If Taiwan⁤ were to fall, ​America’s position in the Indo-Pacific and the world would be ‌severely impacted. However, ⁣a successful defense of Taiwan ultimately depends on the Taiwanese themselves.

The writer is a Washington, D.C.-based foreign affairs analyst. His views are his own.

Why is it crucial for Taiwan⁣ to invest in modernizing and expanding its ⁢armed forces, particularly in upgrading its ⁢naval ⁢and air defense systems and strengthening its cyber defenses?

Rsov nor Tel Aviv can afford to ignore the ‌imminent​ danger posed by a potential invasion.

Taiwan’s defense budget ⁢allocation raises serious concerns about its ability to effectively defend itself from a ⁢communist China invasion. A mere increase of⁣ 3.5% in ‌defense spending is simply not enough to deter and repel one of the world’s ⁢most powerful militaries. Taiwan⁤ must urgently reconsider⁣ its defense strategy and allocate a more significant portion ⁤of its GDP to strengthening its military capabilities.

Furthermore, Taiwan‍ must invest in modernizing and expanding⁤ its armed forces. Upgrading its naval and air defense systems is crucial to ensure the country’s ability to defend itself against China’s advanced military⁣ technology. It is essential to enhance Taiwan’s missile defense capabilities, as⁣ China has significantly expanded its missile arsenal in recent years. Taiwan must also ​focus on strengthening its cyber defenses to defend against potential ⁣cyberattacks, which are increasingly used as a strategic tool in modern warfare.

In addition to its own efforts, Taiwan must seek ⁣stronger alliances and partnerships with other⁤ nations. Strengthening ties with the United States, Japan, and other like-minded countries that share concerns about China’s aggression is paramount. It is essential‌ for these ‌nations ‍to provide Taiwan with the necessary military⁤ support and know-how to ​effectively⁣ deter and repel⁢ an invasion.

Moreover, diplomatic efforts must‌ be intensified to ​garner international support for⁣ Taiwan’s sovereignty. The international ​community ⁢must be made aware of the imminent⁣ threat posed by ⁣China and⁣ the potential consequences of its invasion. By raising awareness and leveraging diplomatic channels, ‍Taiwan can increase its chances of receiving assistance ⁣in ⁢the event of an attack.

The time to act is now. ⁢Taiwan cannot afford to underestimate the seriousness of China’s intentions. It must urgently reassess its defense strategy, allocate more​ resources to its military,​ and build stronger alliances to ⁤effectively defend ‌its sovereignty. The international community, ​particularly the United States, must also recognize the urgency of the situation and step up its⁤ support for Taiwan’s defense efforts.

A successful‌ defense‌ against China’s invasion plan requires comprehensive and urgent changes. Taiwan’s future as a democratic and ⁢sovereign nation depends on its ability to take charge of its defense and garner international support. Failure to ⁢do so will have⁤ dire consequences not only for‍ Taiwan but also for regional stability and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific⁣ region. Time is of ​the ‍essence, and decisive ⁢action is needed to ensure a successful defense ⁣against communist China’s plan⁣ to invade Taiwan.

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