Amid China's increasing military pressure, Taiwan's defensive posture has become more pronounced. Nevertheless, its recent arms purchases and National Defense Report show Taipei does not grasp the realities of an evolving situation, says international defence journalist Diego Laje.
In this photo released by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, Taiwanese navy ship Keelung, monitors the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong near the Taiwanese waters in September 2023. fails to grasp the realities of an evolving situation amid China's increasing military pressure. Recent arms deals and the unveiling of a domestically built submarine suggest the island’s intent to beef up its defences, but Taipei is ignoring lessons from Ukraine at its own peril.
Still, analysts are concerned Taipei may be getting the basics of military deterrence wrong. Big kit, like ships, large air defences or world-class fighter planes make attractive targets for capable Chinese missiles. And more isn’t necessarily better. Taiwan’s 12.9 per cent increase in its military budget for 2023 has not translated into increased deterrence.
Michael Lostumbo, a senior defence researcher at RAND Corporation, a Washington-based think tank, believes that Taiwan needs to focus its security efforts more narrowly. He argues that for Taiwan to survive an onslaught it needs to design a better shopping list than the one it sent to the United States.
Despite heightened fears of a conflict, analysts expect that the current scenario where the People's Liberation Army pressures, but does not attack, will continue.
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