If China attacked Taiwan, Taiwan would need to mobilize its entire society to defend Taiwan. That was the word from US Navy Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, at a panel discussion on Monday.
When asked about a potential war in the Taiwan Strait, he said it would require an all-out effort by Taiwan’s military in the Taiwan Strait, coastline and throughout Taiwan. He also said that Taiwan’s army needs to be agile and the whole society would need to be mobilized to defend Taiwan.
Paparo was also asked how Taiwan’s armed forces should upgrade their defense abilities. In response, Paparo praised Taiwan’s armed forces, President Tsai Ing-wen and Taiwan’s defense minister and said they know which areas need to upgrade.
Paparo also said that China is certainly learning from the Ukraine War. Paparo said it is necessary to always be ready for a possible attack by China. He said he always operates under the notion of the “potential of conflict within our region within a couple of years” because of the incredible unpredictability of events.
Last year, former Indo-Pacific Commander General Phil Davidson said that China could attack Taiwan within six years. Regarding this timeline, Paparo said that it is difficult to predict when China might attack as it involves many complex factors, but it is necessary to be alert and ready.