Inside Taiwan’s Strategy to Counter a Chinese Invasion | WSJ

The Wall Street Journal6 minutes read

China's increased military activities near Taiwan have prompted discussions on how to respond, with Taiwan focusing on distributed defenses and asymmetrical warfare capabilities to deter invasion attempts with the support of allies like the US.

Insights

  • Retired Admiral Lee Hsi-Min suggests Taiwan should prioritize smaller, dispersed defenses over matching China's offensive capabilities, emphasizing asymmetrical warfare tools like portable missiles and drones.
  • Taiwan's reliance on allies like the US for defense support, coupled with potential strategic military bases in the Philippines, underscores the importance of international partnerships in deterring Chinese aggression near Taiwan.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How has China increased military activities near Taiwan?

    By sending drones and fighter jets around the island.

  • What is Taiwan's current defense strategy against China?

    Hiding fighter jets and missiles in mountain bunkers.

  • What does retired Admiral Lee Hsi-Min advocate for Taiwan's defense strategy?

    Focusing on smaller, widely distributed defenses.

  • What asymmetrical warfare capabilities is Taiwan urged to invest in?

    Portable missiles, drones, and radar systems.

  • How does Taiwan rely on allies like the US for defense?

    Allies like the US are ready to assist in defending the island.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Taiwan's Defense Strategy Against China's Aggression

  • China has increased military activities near Taiwan, including sending drones and fighter jets around the island, prompting discussions among military leaders on how to respond.
  • Taiwan's current strategy involves hiding fighter jets and missiles in mountain bunkers on the east coast to prevent China from gaining early control of the skies.
  • Retired Admiral Lee Hsi-Min advocates for Taiwan to focus on smaller, widely distributed defenses rather than matching China's offensive capabilities.
  • Taiwan is urged to invest in asymmetrical warfare capabilities like portable missiles, drones, and radar systems to deter a Chinese invasion attempt.
  • While Taiwan is enhancing its defense systems, it still relies on allies like the US, who are showing readiness to assist in defending the island, with new military bases in the Philippines potentially playing a crucial role.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.