April A. Herlevi, a Senior Research Scientist in China Studies, and Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research at the Air University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute, explore Taiwan's military adaptations inspired by the Ukraine War. They discuss Taiwan's strategic reforms, including increased conscription and drone initiatives, to enhance deterrence against China. They also analyze the critical roles of satellite communications in warfare and tackle the challenges of misinformation, emphasizing the necessity of internal and external support for Taiwan's defense.
Taiwan's urgency to revise defense strategies reflects a significant shift in mindset regarding the credible threat of a potential Chinese invasion.
Extensive military reforms and technological advancements in Taiwan aim to enhance defense capabilities by modeling strategies after Ukraine's response to external aggression.
Deep dives
Shift in Perception of Chinese Threats
The perception of a potential invasion by mainland China has significantly changed in Taiwan, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Previously regarded as a remote possibility, such an invasion now feels credible and urgent among Taiwanese leaders. This shift in mindset has prompted a reevaluation of defense strategies and military preparedness in Taiwan. The urgency has been reflected in increases in military incursions by Chinese forces, which reinforce the need for Taiwan to focus on self-defense.
Military Reforms and Lessons from Ukraine
Taiwan is implementing extensive military reforms to develop a credible deterrent force drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war. These reforms, labeled 'all-out defense,' restructure the military framework into distinct domains focusing on garrison, reserve, and civil defense forces. Notable changes include extending military conscription from four months to one year and adopting more modern training tactics, including combat readiness and live fire exercises. These reforms aim to strengthen defense capabilities, particularly by modeling certain strategies after Ukraine's territorial defense forces.
Technological Innovations and Cognitive Warfare
Taiwan is increasingly placing emphasis on technological advancements such as uncrewed systems and robust satellite communication networks to enhance their defense capabilities. Following the invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan's military initiated efforts to develop drones and invested in a national drone team to bolster its aerial capabilities. Additionally, the threat of cognitive warfare, primarily from Chinese disinformation campaigns, has prompted Taiwan to establish fact-checking initiatives to protect its democratic values. These multifaceted strategies underscore Taiwan's adaptive response to contemporary security challenges, informed by ongoing global conflicts.
This episode covers how Taiwan applies lessons from the Ukraine War to prepare for a potential invasion from the People’s Republic of China.
Guest Biographies
April A. Herlevi is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA’s China Studies program. She is an expert on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) foreign and security policy, economic statecraft for technology acquisition, and the increasing role of PRC commercial, economic, and military actors globally.
Dr. Pollpeter is the Director of Research at the Air University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI). Kevin Pollpeter is an internationally recognized expert on China's space program and has been widely published on national security issues related to China. Before joining CASI he was the Senior Research Scientist at CNA. He previously served as the deputy director of a project on innovation and technology in China for the University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation.