Taiwan learns from Ukraine amid tensions with China
The U.S. House delegation in Taiwan, led by Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, recently met with members of the Legislative Yuan as part of their multi-day trip to engage with Taipei’s newly elected government officials.
Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty against Russia has sparked inspiration in Taiwan, as the island aims to deter any potential authoritarian invasion from China. Despite the vast differences in culture and geography, the people of Taiwan strongly relate to Ukraine’s fight for independence. This sentiment is amplified by the strengthening alliance between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This wave of inspiration has prompted Taiwan to reevaluate its military and social policies in response to an increasingly aggressive China. The ongoing political discord in the United States over providing aid to Ukraine has raised concerns in Taiwan about the reliability of U.S. support in prolonged conflicts.
Dr. I-Chung Lai, president of The Prospect Foundation, a Taiwanese think tank, emphasized the importance of building societal resilience and preparing for a potential long-term conflict. He highlighted the need for early international support to prevent authoritarian states from exploiting divisions.
The recent conflict in Ukraine has led Taiwan to consider shifting its military focus from preparing for an amphibious Chinese invasion to a more flexible and adaptive approach known as an asymmetric response. Taiwan understands that not only must they defend themselves effectively, but they must also demonstrate to allies abroad that their support is valued.
Taiwan’s military is taking cues from Ukraine, where troops successfully held off a Russian invasion despite facing overwhelming odds. U.S. lawmakers visiting Taipei stressed the vital role of societal readiness in bolstering Taiwan’s defenses in the event of an attack.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta commended Taiwan for taking significant steps to enhance its defense capabilities, such as extending mandatory military service time. These proactive measures reflect Taiwan’s commitment to fortifying its defenses in alignment with global events like the Ukraine conflict.
House Taiwan Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Andy Barr pointed out that the people of Taiwan are gradually strengthening their resolve to defend their island, drawing inspiration from the situations in Hong Kong and the Taiwan Strait.
According to Taiwan News, a majority of young Taiwanese individuals are willing to fight for their country, showcasing a growing sense of patriotism and readiness to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Despite the progress made, Taiwan remains cautious about potential delays in U.S. aid due to political wrangling in Congress. Dr. Lai expressed concerns about the implications of such delays, particularly in comparison to Ukraine’s access to multiple sources of weaponry.
Dr. Ming-Shih Shen of the Institute for National Security and Defense Research highlighted the need for Taiwan to prepare for scenarios similar to Ukraine’s conflict and emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s self-sustainability in defense.
As Taiwan navigates the complex geopolitical landscape in the shadow of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the island remains vigilant in fortifying its defenses and strengthening international alliances to safeguard its sovereignty and freedom.
