• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Taiwan watches Ukraine for lessons on possible war with China
Economy

Taiwan watches Ukraine for lessons on possible war with China

by June 5, 2024
by June 5, 2024 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

— Ukraine’s existential war for its sovereignty from Russia is giving inspiration to Taiwan, an island thousands of miles away, as it hopes to deter its own authoritarian invasion by China.

While their cultures and geography are vastly different, nowhere does Ukraine’s struggle resonate more deeply than on Taiwan’s shores. The Taiwanese people see themselves in the Eastern European nation’s struggle — a comparison made even more stark by the growing alliance between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

‘The situation in Ukraine has been a wake-up call for a lot of people, the Taiwanese included,’ Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., told Fox News Digital in Taipei. ‘I think that we live in this sort of post-World War II, post-Cold War mindset, that somehow that was in the past… There’s sort of this axis of Iran and China and… Russia that is reminiscent of history that we’ve seen before… what I’ve been hearing more from the Taiwanese people who we’ve met with, is a realization or recognition that there’s definitely been a bit of a pivot, and they also have to pivot.’

It has inspired a shift in both military and social policies in Taiwan, which is faced with an increasingly aggressive China, and even a road map on how to navigate U.S. support. In particular, American political infighting on Ukraine aid has raised existential questions in Taiwan about the durability of U.S. support in a time of long-term conflict.

‘The lesson for Taiwan is that we do know that [an] asymmetric defense, that works well for the defense of Taiwan…as well as the the importance of building up a resilience among society to increase the stamina for the war,’ said Dr. I-Chung Lai, president of the Taiwanese think tank The Prospect Foundation. ‘The war could be long term rather than just in a short period of time, so the whole society needs to come out to anticipate that’

‘Another thing about it is that the international support. We need to gear up right now rather than sometime later, because first of all, we find that Western support and coherence — it’s very easy for the authoritarian state to really try to divide and conquer, so it is important to build up the support early on.’

Lai added that there needs to be an emphasis not just on defending Taiwan, but bringing ‘the cost of war’ to China by developing an offensive strategy as well.

Until recently, Taiwan’s military has largely focused on training for an amphibious Chinese invasion, but factors, including the Ukraine war, have prompted talk about shifting to preparations for multiple military situations, known as an asymmetric response.

The importance of preparing their society for war is also a key lesson for Taiwan, not just for their internal unity, but also to prove to allies abroad that their support is meaningful.

Ukraine’s troops took the world by surprise in February 2022 when they defied the odds to hold off Russia’s invasion despite projections that Kyiv could fall within a matter of days.

U.S. lawmakers, who were in Taipei last week to meet with the newly inaugurated government, stressed that the societal component was critical to giving Taiwan a fighting chance in the event of an attack.

Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., noted that Taiwan’s government has taken steps to show its allies and its people that it is taking matters of defense seriously, including increasing mandatory military service time by more than double.

‘There’s a lot more work to do, and I think people here will tell you that, and I think people in America will tell you that. But the fact is, basically seeing the steps that the Taiwanese have taken from…increasing their defense budget, making it over 2%, and then… changing their conscription time from four months to a year… They understand that, basically, looking at Ukraine, that it takes more than just armaments. It takes the will to use those armaments,’ he said.

House Taiwan Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., said when asked if Taiwan’s residents were ready to defend their island, ‘They’re getting there.’

‘I think what’s helped strengthen the will of the people of Taiwan is that they’ve seen what Beijing has done in Hong Kong. They’re seeing what they’re doing in the [Taiwan Strait] with these military exercises,’ Barr said. 

The English-language outlet Taiwan News reported in April that 77% of young Taiwanese people were willing to fight for their country.

‘Our goal is not to think about the invasion or potential conflict, our goal is to ensure there is that deterrence by providing Taiwan what they need to protect themselves and defend themselves should there be a conflict,’ said Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Indo-Pacific subcommittee.

What has inspired some anxiety in Taiwan, however, is political infighting in the U.S. Congress that did see Ukraine get $61 billion in aid, though Kyiv’s supporters said it came six months too late and at a great cost to its forces.

Both Republicans and Democrats on the trip who spoke with Fox News Digital would not directly admit it was an issue, but Taiwanese policy experts thought differently.

‘There are latent concerns about that,’ Lai said. 

He explained that while the U.S. views Taiwan in a ‘different’ way than Ukraine – citing a ‘standing critical interest’ in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry – the island was watching the effects such delays had on Ukrainian weapons stocks closely.

‘Whether it’s a good thing or bad thing for Ukraine, is that Ukraine can have multiple sources of weapons and deliveries – not just the United States, but also from the European countries. But we can only have one from the U.S.,’ Lai said.

Dr. Ming-Shih Shen of the Institute for National Security and Defense Research, another Taiwanese think tank, said, ‘We can imagine a scenario like Ukraine’ but added that it would depend on how long Taiwan could defend itself on its own.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Biden blames GOP for scoring ‘political points’ on immigration, as border numbers hit new high
  • Dem senator praises Feinstein’s ‘energy’ and ‘concentration’ despite slew of missed votes, absences
  • Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs GOP-backed bail amendment clarification into law
  • Defense Sec. Austin back in hospital for bladder issue, transfers powers to Hicks: Pentagon officials
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Biden displays signs of decline in private meetings with congressional leaders: Report
next post
Will Spotify Smash Its All-Time High of $387?

You may also like

New Hampshire Gov. Sununu unveils $14.9B budget plan

February 15, 2023

Pennsylvania Democrats’ fragile House majority at stake in special elections

May 17, 2023

New Mexico Republican legislators call for Dem Gov. Grisham’s impeachment...

September 10, 2023

Romney uses Biden’s own words against him, calls for president...

September 14, 2023

Kaspersky security software is banned in America: What you need...

June 23, 2024

Nikki Haley hit from all sides after omitting ‘slavery’ from...

December 29, 2023

Liberal columnist praises ‘patriotic’ Newsom for ‘shadow campaign,’ slams Democrats...

December 1, 2023

Not Enough Pizza

December 20, 2022

What is GARM? ‘Collusive’ ad group allegedly targeting conservatives faces...

August 6, 2024

Georgia Judge blocks provision prohibiting the distribution of water at...

August 20, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout, pulls outlook

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025
    • The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

      May 8, 2025
    • AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

      May 7, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,633 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,339 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,320 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,303 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,186 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout,...

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Biden vows to keep White House,...

    June 28, 2024

    Nadler dismisses ‘essentially fraudulent’ claims from...

    April 16, 2023

    Sen. Menendez responds to latest superseding...

    January 10, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here