What Taiwan needs to do to prevent an invasion by China | DW Analysis

DW News22 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  • Former HEAD of Taiwan's military, Lee Hsi-min, criticizes outdated defense strategies, advocating for a shift to asymmetric warfare and the enhancement of military capabilities to prepare for potential Chinese aggression.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    Former military head Lee Hsi-min criticizes outdated defense strategies.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

00:00

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  • Former HEAD of Taiwan's military, Lee Hsi-min, criticizes the outdated defense strategies and calls for a shift towards asymmetric warfare.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.

00:00

Taiwan residents anticipate consequences.

  • Taiwan residents are aware of the potential consequences they face.
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