Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese invasion rises due to escalating weapons issue
Is Taiwan on the Brink of Invasion?
A perfect storm of circumstances is raising concerns about the potential invasion of Taiwan. Last week, Lai Ching-te, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was elected as Taiwan’s next president, vowing to maintain the nation’s independence from communist China. Despite China’s warnings of reunification through elections or military force, Taiwan remains resolute.
When combined with China’s struggling economy and the uncertain future of Joe Biden’s presidency, which has been criticized for projecting weakness in dealing with foreign adversaries, the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan becomes even more plausible.
Adding to these concerns is a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, revealing that billions of dollars worth of American weapons crucial for Taiwan’s defense against Chinese aggression have yet to be delivered and could be years away. The report highlights bureaucratic delays and capacity limitations at defense manufacturers, resulting in a staggering $19 billion backlog of unfulfilled orders.
Former Taiwanese defense minister Andrew Yang expressed frustration, stating that Taiwan has requested at least limited quantities of the weapons for training purposes, but has received no response.
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The report also mentions a significant defense contract signed in 2020, worth $2.37 billion for 400 Harpoon antiship missiles and related equipment. However, no delivery date was specified at the time. The Pentagon issued an order for the same number of missiles last year, with completion expected in March 2029. Although the buyer was not named, a Taiwanese government official confirmed that Taipei believes it is the same order.
In addition to the delayed weapons, Taiwan is anxiously awaiting the arrival of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, tanks, torpedoes, and other missiles.
What is the main reason why China sees Taiwan as a renegade province and wants to reunite it with the mainland?
Na. Meanwhile, tensions between China and Taiwan have been escalating in recent years, with China increasing its military presence and conducting frequent military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
One of the main reasons why Taiwan is seen as being on the brink of invasion is its unique political status. While it operates as a separate entity with its own government, military, and constitution, China still considers it to be a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland. China has long been exerting pressure on Taiwan to accept the “One China” policy, which would acknowledge Taiwan as part of China.
Another factor contributing to concerns about an invasion is the changing political landscape in Taiwan. With the election of President Lai Ching-te, who is known for his strong pro-independence stance, China may view this as a threat to its authority and may be more inclined to use force to bring Taiwan under its control. President Lai has already stated that he will work to strengthen Taiwan’s military capabilities to protect its sovereignty, which could further provoke China.
China’s assertive behavior in the Asia-Pacific region is also a cause for concern. In recent years, China has been taking a more aggressive stance in territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea. This has raised fears that China may use similar tactics to assert its control over Taiwan.
Furthermore, China’s rapid military modernization and expansion pose a significant threat to Taiwan’s security. The Chinese military has been increasing its defense spending and developing advanced military technologies, such as aircraft carriers and hypersonic missiles. This gives China the ability to project its power further and poses a challenge to Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
In response to these concerns, the international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Taiwan. The United States, in particular, has expressed its support for Taiwan and has been strengthening its military ties with the island nation. The U.S. has also been conducting freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait as a show of support for Taiwan’s sovereignty.
While an invasion of Taiwan is not inevitable, the current circumstances certainly raise legitimate fears. It is crucial for the international community to continue to support Taiwan’s sovereignty and to encourage peaceful dialogue between China and Taiwan to resolve their differences. Any attempt to forcefully reunite Taiwan with the mainland would not only be a breach of international law but could also have severe consequences for regional stability and peace.
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