Rethinking Taiwan’s Defense
The Obama administration has fumbled in denying Taiwan the additional F-16s it badly needs and instead offering upgrades to the existing older fleet. Among other problems, this move sends the message that China can have a veto over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as long as mainland officials object loudly enough. While President Obama’s decision to deny Taiwan a credible air force adds to Taipei’s defense burdens, all may not be lost. Washington and Taipei are hinting at combined work on a new Taiwan defense policy.
Up until recently, Taiwan’s military has tried to meet China’s threat symmetrically. For example, its naval fleet is built around large capital ships such as destroyers. The Taiwan Army is still a heavy, lumbering force.
Now Taiwanese and U.S. defense officials are talking about reshaping the island’s military strategy to pit Taiwan’s strengths against China’s weaknesses. The Obama administration can help Taiwan build a force structure driven by a three-pronged strategy of asymmetry, combat credibility and survivability.
The rest of this article can be read with a subscription to the the Wall Street Journal site.
