Taiwan is a small island strait, known as one of Asia's most progressive democracies, and a leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors.
Taiwan is no stranger to controversy when it comes to its individual status. Although China has consistently claimed Taiwan as its territory, most Taiwanese claim themselves to belong to a sovereign state, independent of China. This difference of opinion has caused there to be tensions between the two.
Reports indicate that China is capable of blockading Taiwan's air-naval traffic and information centres. This possibility has also been verified by Lonnie Henly, a retired US intelligence officer.
Considering a possible Chinese invasion, the world wonders- Can Taiwan defend itself from China.
Why is China a threat to Taiwan?
China has consistently declared that it has rightful ownership over Taiwan and hence attempts to uphurl the island's democratic agendas. A recent interference included around thirty Chinese military aircrafts breaching into Taiwan's defence zone. This has now known to become a regular occurrence over the past few months, with reports of nuclear bombers and even submarines hovering near the area. The suspicious air force activities have been reported mainly near the Prata islands, governed by Taiwan and the southern part of Taiwan.
Although China has not commented on these accusations, it has made it clear on multiple occasions that it is not opposed to such missions for the protection of the sovereignty of the nation.
USA- the silent allegiant
The 'one china' policy prevents relations between the US and Taiwan. This is because Taiwan is not recognised as a country, even by the united nations. However, the states have found a way around this policy based on the 1979 Taiwan Relations loophole.
China has made it very clear that the happenings of Taiwan's issue are absolutely internal, and that the USA should not concern itself with the current happenings. Some recent comments from the USA's side suggest its informal allegiance with Taiwan despite its formal diplomatic relations with China.
Can US deter China from attacking Taiwan?
With a looming uncertainty, the whole world wonders- can US deter China from attacking Taiwan, since it seems like the only way Taiwan could survive an attack from a mega-power like China.
Many opinions on the same have been perceived from the side of many.
It is anticipated that the US could use submarines and stealth aircraft to attack China’s shipping fleet, devastating the nation economically. Not to mention, the USA is the leading country in terms of the military budget, which is estimated to be around seven fifty billion.
However, many experts lean towards the possibility of China's victory in this particular circumstance.
The Economist warned on February 20 that-
America is losing its ability to deter a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
America was previously known to be the superior-most power in the pacific, a fact that may change due to China's ever-increasing military strength. China's military budget has increased at a steady pace of around six to eight percent from the past five years, and additional warships and a third aircraft carrier have also been included recently. This fresh input of weapons leads sceptics to believe that US may not have the upper hand if a war-like situation presents itself. Another factor contributing to the USA's disadvantage is that all military planes and personnel can't possibly reach the strait in the required time. Hence in such a situation, China has geographical superiority over the states.
China hits back at Japan-US statement that names Taiwan as a country
China resolutely opposed to U.S., Japan joint statement - Chinese embassy in U.S.
In a summit between Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide, there was a mention of the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This was the first joint statement regarding Taiwan between the two nations since 1969.
Such a statement was appalling to China, and it has visibly expressed its disapproval towards the same. It testified that the comments have gone beyond the scope of normal development of bilateral relations. It also further went on to condemn the US-Japan alliance, claiming that it would not stand in the way of the ' One China ' policy.
Many experts disagree with this interference in China's matters for reasons concerning regional stability and say that this move is likely to provoke China, not defer it.
Conclusion
China has labelled Taiwan as a breakaway nation, and scepticism around a possible invasion has been present for a few years now, considering suspicious weapon purchases and strategic documents from China's side. Amidst all the chaos, one thing remains clear, and that is war will benefit no one. It would only stand to bring destruction- to both the democracies as well as US-China relations.
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