Does Taiwan Need A Better Shopping List Than The One It Sent To The US?

There has been renewed international interest in tensions between China and Taiwan following Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine that has been raging on for nearly 20 months.

Taiwan is a technological powerhouse and a notable player in the global supply chain. A crisis over the self-ruled island would lead to complex diplomacy on a global scale.

China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be under Beijing’s control. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu previously warned of the possibility of a war in 2027.

Taiwan Actively Seeking Support From West

According to US intelligence, Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed his country’s armed forces to be ready to invade by 2027.

Amid Beijing’s increasing military pressure, Taiwan is actively seeking support from the West. While doing so, it received an additional endorsement from the Biden administration.

Beijing criticised the sale of $80 million in equipment under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF), which breaks with the historical transfer method under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

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Taiwan May Be Getting The Basics Wrong

The US’ total approved arms sales to the island this year could reach half a billion dollars, although Washington has said repeatedly it remains committed to the One China policy.

Still, analysts are concerned Taiwan may be getting the basics wrong. Big kit like large air defences or world-class fighter planes make attractive targets for Chinese missiles.

Many in Washington fear Taipei’s most valued and visible military equipment would be eliminated in minutes, not days, if China used its hypersonic missiles in a precise attack.

Lessons From The Ukraine War In Focus

Taiwan has responded with a record defence spending of $18.8 billion for 2024. Still, the budget is far less than the $224 billion China proposed for its defence spending this year.

And more isn’t necessarily better. The Ukraine war has demonstrated how asymmetric responses play an important role in a conflict with a larger power.

In September, Taiwan unvealed its first homemade submarine in a stunning move. It is planning to build eight such submarines, which will still be outnumbered by Beijing’s 60 submersibles.