A Friendly Nudge on Defense Strategy
Ex-American Diplomat Advises Taiwan to Emulate Poland's Military Expansion Strategy
Hey there! Let's chat security and defense strategies. Speaking at a global security meet in Taipei, ex-U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft, proposed that Taiwan should emulate Poland's military growth. With China posing a serious threat, Taiwan needs to beef up its defense budget, Craft insisted, likening Taiwan to the "Poland of the Pacific."
On September 12, Craft highlighted Poland's improved defense ties with the U.S., leading to its transformation into a formidable military force. She suggested that Taiwan should follow suit by strengthening its defenses with increased investments, given China's staggering defense budget of over $230 billion projected by 2025, far outstripping Taiwan's $20 billion expenditure.
Craft also hinted at the possibility of Trump's return to the White House in 2024, indicating that U.S. allies, including Taiwan, may face pressure to contribute more significantly to their defense efforts. Following Poland's example, Craft suggested, would help Taiwan secure its future.
The wisdom behind Craft's advice mainly lies in Poland's post-2022 invasion of Ukraine response, where they increased their defense budget by almost doubling and pledging to allocate 4% of their GDP to military expenditures in 2024. Craft proposed that Taiwan should take a cue from this and demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty through increased military spending.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have been increasing, with Chinese military drills frequently happening in the vicinity of the island, and aggressive rhetoric from China's President Xi Jinping threatening Taiwan's independence. Taiwanese officials have responded by requesting international backing against any potential Chinese aggression.
Craft's emphasis on self-defense resonates with broader goals in U.S. foreign policy, where allies are expected to contribute more to their defense efforts, particularly in regions where U.S. military resources are stretched thin. As the power balance in Asia shifts, Taiwan faces the challenge of taking on a more active role in its defense.
Poland, in its military modernization, has earmarked substantial budget increases, with a focus on air defense (AIM-120D3 missiles), heavy armor (K2PL tanks), and long-range strike systems (Homar-A/K rocket artillery). Taiwan could learn from Poland's emphasis on asymmetric capabilities, prioritizing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) technology, as well as its alliance-driven procurement approach.
In conclusion, Craft's advice to Taiwan boils down to this: strengthen your military, increase your budget, and be ready to defend your nation. If you do, Craft promises, the U.S. will be there to help. After all, "If you do your part, America will do its part."
- Ex-U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft, endorses Taiwan's militaristic emulation of Poland, stating that it should aim to secure its future by following Poland's example of strengthening its defenses.
- Craft believes that Taiwan should invest more in its defense, given China's substantial defense budget of $230 billion projected for 2025 and the increasing tensions between China and Taiwan.
- In the wake of Poland's response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Craft advocates for Taiwan to stand committed to safeguarding its sovereignty, similar to Poland's hike of almost double in defense budget and pledge to allocate 4% of their GDP to military expenditures in 2024.
- Taipei's ongoing conflicts with China have led to frequent military drills by China near the island and aggressive rhetoric from President Xi Jinping, prompting Taiwanese officials to appeal for international backing against any potential Chinese aggression.
- Craft's insistence on self-defense aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy expectations, urging allies to contribute more to their defense efforts, especially in regions experiencing stretched military resources.
- Poland's military modernization plan includes significant budget increases for advanced weaponry like AIM-120D3 missiles, K2PL tanks, and Homar-A/K rocket artillery, and Taiwan could potentially learn from Poland's emphasis on asymmetric capabilities, prioritizing A2/AD technology, and alliance-driven procurement approaches.
