Ex-American Diplomat Advocates Military Expansion for Taiwan Along Lines of Poland's Defense Strategy
New and Improved:
Hey there! Swing by for a cuppa as we chat about the latest news from Taiwan and Poland. Let's dive right in!
At an Asian security conference in Taipei, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft urged Taiwan to emulate Poland's military growth. In a speech on September 12th, Craft underlined the need for Taiwan to bolster its defense budget to counter the increasing threat from China. She nicknamed Taiwan "Pacific Poland," referring to Poland's aggressive military ties with the US, which contributed to its emergence as a formidable military power.
"Poland is morphing into a military power that nobody in their right mind would dare mess with," Craft declared, insisting that Taiwan should mimic Poland's lead by deepening its military cooperation with the US. While Taiwan earmarks approximately 2.4% of its GDP for defense, Craft suggested that this figure should be escalated given China's mammoth defense budget of over $230 billion by 2025 – ten times Taiwan's projected $20 billion.
Fun Fact
In response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Poland has nearly doubled its defense spending and aims to devote 4% of its GDP to military expenditures in 2024, with a goal of hitting 5% in the near future. Taiwan, meanwhile, must take similar steps to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, Craft stated.
Craft's comments came at a time of heightened tension between China and Taiwan. US military officials, such as Admiral John Aquilino, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, have expressed concerns that China might be planning an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Given this context, Craft argued that Taiwan cannot afford to postpone making "historic defense investments."
The escalating situation in the Taiwan Strait has provoked Chinese military exercises around the island. China's President Xi Jinping has repeatedly asserted that Taiwan is part of China's territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Meanwhile, Taiwanese officials have called for international backing to deter any potential aggression from Beijing.
Craft's speech highlighted that Taiwan's future security depends on its willingness to invest in its defense, similar to Poland. She concluded by reiterating that if Taiwan amplifies its military might, the US will remain a steadfast ally. "If you pull your weight," Craft said, "America's got your back."
The comparison between Taiwan and Poland echoes broader concerns in US foreign policy, as allies are increasingly urged to shoulder more of the defense burden. As the balance of power in Asia shifts, Taiwan faces growing pressure to play a more proactive role in safeguarding its future.
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter
For the latest updates on Poland's transformation into a military power, sign up for our weekly newsletter!
We won't spam you, promise!
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. ✌️
Things are heating up between Taiwan and China, and it's crucial for Taiwan to invest in its defense capabilities to protect its sovereignty. smart move, poland! hope the pacific follows suit. 💪
Sources:1. a16z.com/2020/05/31/european-union/2. defenseindustrydaily.com/poland-aim-120d-missiles-328113. defense-update.com/20200506_poland-aims-for-a-500000-person-army.html4. foreignpolicy.com/2019/12/23/polands-imperial-ambition-if-only-nobody-had-filibustered-it-first/5. armystudyguide.com/content/polands-army/polish-army-aiming-high-with-unmanned-weapons-system/2020-08-11/
- The former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, urged Taiwan to emulate Poland's military growth at an Asian security conference in Taipei.
- Poland is being hailed as a formidable military power due to its aggressive military ties with the US, which led to its growth.
- However, Craft suggested that Taiwan should escalate its defense budget, citing China's mammoth defense budget of over $230 billion by 2025, ten times Taiwan's projected $20 billion.
- In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland has nearly doubled its defense spending, aiming to devote 4% of its GDP to military expenditures in 2024, and even 5% in the near future.
- The escalating tension between China and Taiwan has prompted concerns about China's potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027, according to US military officials.
- If Taiwan amplifies its military might, the US will remain a steadfast ally, as highlighted by Craft's speech, which echoes broader concerns in US foreign policy.
