What Taiwan needs to do to prevent an invasion by China | DW Analysis
DW News・2 minutes read
Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, faces challenges in safeguarding the nation from Chinese threats and intimidation, with tensions rising due to his pro-independence stance. The country is working to enhance its defense capabilities, navigate relations with China, and secure support from the US to counter Beijing's pressure.
Insights
- Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, faces challenges in defending Taiwan from Chinese threats and intimidation, emphasizing de facto independence despite Beijing's opposition.
- Former HEAD of Taiwan's military, Lee Hsi-min, criticizes outdated defense strategies, advocating for a shift to asymmetric warfare and the enhancement of military capabilities to prepare for potential Chinese aggression.
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Recent questions
How does Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, view independence?
Lai emphasizes Taiwan's de facto independence but faces opposition from China.
What are the criticisms of Taiwan's defense strategies?
Former military head Lee Hsi-min criticizes outdated defense strategies.
How does the US support Taiwan in defense?
The US has pledged to defend Taiwan if attacked by China.
What is Taiwan considering to bolster its defense capabilities?
Taiwan is extending compulsory military service and considering a territorial defense force.
How does China view Taiwan's reunification?
Xi Jinping maintains that Taiwan's reunification with China is inevitable.
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Summary
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Taiwan's President Lai faces Chinese threats
- Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, faces the challenging task of safeguarding Taiwan from Chinese threats and intimidation.
- Despite China's increasing pressure, voters elected Lai as their leader, causing tension with Beijing due to his pro-independence stance.
- Lai emphasized Taiwan's de facto independence but China remains opposed to any notion of independence.
- Taiwan is not adequately prepared to defend itself against a potential Chinese invasion, with concerns raised about its defense capabilities.
- Former HEAD of Taiwan's military, Lee Hsi-min, criticizes the outdated defense strategies and calls for a shift towards asymmetric warfare.
- Taiwan needs to enhance its military capabilities with anti-ship missiles, sea mines, air defense systems, drones, and other modern equipment.
- Taiwan is extending compulsory military service and considering the formation of a territorial defense force based on volunteers to bolster its defense.
- The US has pledged to defend Taiwan if attacked by China, but Taiwan's confidence in US support is waning due to other global priorities.
- Taiwan's new government faces challenges in balancing defense spending, managing parliament, and navigating relations with China.
- Lai's administration is considering an asymmetric warfare strategy and aims to strengthen Taiwan's defense, but faces opposition and skepticism within parliament.
16:49
Navigating Taiwan-China-US Relations: Trust and Tensions
- Taiwan faces the question of whether it can trust Xi Jinping and work with China to cool tensions.
- Opposition candidates in Taiwan's recent election called for de-escalating tensions with Beijing, winning 60% of the vote.
- The 1992 consensus between Beijing and Taiwan's ruling party, the KMT, remains a contentious issue.
- China's stance on dialogue with Taiwan requires upholding the 1992 consensus, leading to a deadlock in relations.
- Taiwan's experience with China's "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has made the Taiwanese wary of such an arrangement.
- China's objections extend to Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, leading to sanctions against her.
- Low-level engagement between Taiwan and China continues, despite frozen formal dialogue since 2016.
- Xi Jinping maintains that Taiwan's reunification with China is inevitable and reserves the right to use force.
- Taiwan's balance of power in parliament, influenced by Ko Wen-je's TPP party, could impact defense cooperation with the US.
- The complex interplay between Taiwan, China, and the US underscores the high stakes and challenges faced by Taiwan's leadership.
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Taiwan residents anticipate consequences.
- Taiwan residents are aware of the potential consequences they face.
