The defense ministry has come out with a report that says there are seven scenarios that would invite a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
The Chinese military has stepped up its presence in the waters around Taiwan. Naval exercises in these parts are thought to be a message to both Taiwan and the US.
This week, Taiwan’s defense ministry released its annual assessment report of China’s military capabilities. The report says there are seven specific scenarios that would prompt China to attack Taiwan.
The seven scenarios are: Taiwan declares independence, Taiwan irreversibly gravitates toward independence, internal unrest in Taiwan, Taiwan becomes nuclear-capable, cross-strait unification dialogue stalls, external powers intervene in Taiwan’s affairs, or Taiwan accepts a foreign military presence.
Editor-in-Chief of Defence International magazine Chen Kuo-ming says that China is certainly capable of neutralizing Taiwan’s airports and harbors, but he says Taiwan is well prepared to fend off an amphibious invasion.
The defense ministry report also says that China has strong electronic warfare capabilities, which means they have a firm grasp on Taiwan’s military movements.
In order to maintain capabilities, the defense ministry has set aside roughly US$1.7 billion to purchase weapons for its F-16 fighter jets. That money will also go into purchasing various American-made and locally-produced drone and missile systems as well.
Chen says that the money the defense ministry is setting aside is worth it. He says the benefits of the weapons purchased will well outweigh their costs.
With the addition of this latest expenditure, Taiwan’s defense spending in 2022 will reach a staggering US$17 billion — a new high. But, more important than the amount is the message: “If push comes to shove, Taiwan will protect itself.