#265 Taiwan Must Prepare for a “Worst Case Scenario” | Michael Hunzeker
Aug 13, 2024
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Michael Hunzeker, an associate professor at George Mason University and Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, delves into Taiwan's unpreparedness for a potential conflict with China. He emphasizes the urgency for a comprehensive defense strategy that includes community engagement. With growing complacency among the youth and challenges in military readiness, Hunzeker advocates for proactive measures, drawing lessons from other nations, and the crucial role of U.S. support in safeguarding Taiwan's democracy.
Taiwan's current defense strategies underestimate the risk of surprise attacks, necessitating an urgent reassessment of military preparedness.
Despite expert warnings, a sense of complacency prevails among the Taiwanese public and leadership concerning the threat of invasion from China.
Implementing a whole-of-society defense strategy, including civil readiness and military training, is essential for Taiwan's resilience against potential conflict.
Deep dives
Taiwan's Readiness for Conflict
Taiwan is not sufficiently prepared for a potential Chinese invasion, with current defense strategies underestimating the likelihood of surprise attacks. Experts suggest that reliance on advanced warning signs, such as troop movements, may lead to complacency in Taiwan and Washington. Historical parallels, such as the sudden invasion of Ukraine by Russia despite an array of warning signs, indicate that Taiwan must reconsider its assumptions about how an invasion might occur. To counter this, Taiwan should focus on enhancing its immediate military preparedness rather than counting on external support that may not materialize in time.
The Role of Domestic Sentiment
The general sentiment among the Taiwanese populace regarding the threat of invasion from China is one of complacency and disbelief. Many Taiwanese citizens do not view the threat seriously, despite articulated warnings from experts and military analysts. Political leadership in Taiwan has taken a more relaxed stance, prioritizing domestic issues over heightened military readiness, which has contributed to a lack of urgency among the public. A more proactive approach is needed to galvanize the population into action and foster a culture of readiness against potential incursions.
Civil Defense Measures
Implementing a whole-of-society defense strategy is essential for Taiwan to effectively resist a potential invasion. This approach includes not only bolstering the active military but also preparing civilians for immediate action in the event of conflict. Training young men and women in combat readiness and establishing civil defense groups can enhance the overall resilience of society against external threats. Encouraging active participation in these efforts will help ensure that citizens understand their role in defending Taiwan, reinforcing a collective sense of duty and readiness.
Taiwanese Military Culture and Leadership
The military culture in Taiwan is characterized by a legacy of authoritarianism and an existing skepticism among the populace towards military engagement. Many view military service as a low-priority option, resulting in a disconnection between the military establishment and public sentiment. Moreover, there are allegations of corruption and espionage within the military, undermining confidence in its capacity to respond effectively to a crisis. Building trust and a shared sense of responsibility within both the military and civilian sectors is crucial for a comprehensive defense strategy.
The Importance of Global Support
International cooperation and support for Taiwan are vital to deter aggressive actions from China and to bolster Taiwan's defenses. Diplomatically, it is essential for the US and other allies to adopt a firm stance and ensure that Taiwan is equipped with the necessary resources to fend off an invasion. The perceived reliability of external support influences Taiwanese public confidence in their ability to resist pressure from China. Thus, fostering stronger ties and more vigorous security commitments with international partners is crucial for Taiwan’s long-term strategic outlook.
Taiwan is not prepared for war with China. Joining us today is Michael Hunzeker. He is an associate professor at George Mason University. He’s also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Don't forget to subscribe to the channel and hit that bell icon to get notified when new videos come out: https://bit.ly/3u1eKSZ And check out our other channel China Uncensored: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgFP46yVT-GG4o1TgXn-04Q Merchandise: https://www.chinaunscripted.com/merchandise Our website: https://www.chinaunscripted.com/ YouTube demonetizes our videos, which is why we rely on support from viewers like you. Please join our 50¢ army at: https://www.patreon.com/chinaunscripted https://www.chinauncensored.locals.com https://www.chinaunscripted.com/support Our social media: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ChinaUncensored Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChinaUncensored Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChinaUncensored #China
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