The Ukraine War has drawn attention to the possibility of a war between Taiwan and China. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng addressed concerns that China may attack Taiwan’s outlying islands in the lead up to China’s 20th party congress later this year.
All eyes have been on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A recent Nikkei Asia report says the Ukraine War has forced China to rethink its Taiwan strategy. It suggests China may invade Taiwan’s outlying islands instead of the main island in light of Russia’s challenges in Ukraine.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says that the Ukraine War contains lessons for both Taiwan and China. He says Taiwan is watching the war closely, while China is also adjusting its strategy.
Some cross-strait analysts say that Chinese President Xi Jinping may choose to attack Taiwan’s outlying islands in the lead up to the Chinese government’s 20th Party Congress, where Xi is expected to be elected to a third term. Experts say an attack on Taiwan would distract the Chinese public from domestic woes.
Chiu says that the military will defend the country from any attack on Taiwanese soil.
The Nikkei report says China has a new understanding of the challenges it might face if it invades Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan is working to strengthen its defenses against any potential attack.