Guide on Countering Intrusions: Steps to Take in Response to Invasions
In the realm of global tensions, Taiwan poses a resilient stand against potential incursions from China. Former US Navy intelligence head, Mike Studeman, recently stated that Taiwan should target framing Chinese forces as aggressors and a threat to the entire region, rather than appearing as the initiators of conflict.
During a tabletop war game simulation, Taiwan strategically held off on immediate military action against Chinese naval intrusions to avoid being held accountable for escalating tensions. However, experts within the exercise suggested that Taiwan may need to escalate offensive actions to repel Chinese forces, but advised prioritizing advance warning.
Taiwan's self-preservation stems from concerns that the US may not intervene if Taiwan appears to be the catalyst for conflict. The Department of State reiterates that the US opposes unilateral modifications to the Taiwan Strait's status quo and encourages peaceful resolution of differences.
Being accused of triggering conflict would undeniably open Taiwan up to further encroachment, as Studeman warned. However, the US administration would likely support Taiwan if it were to defend itself against foreign aggression, especially if that aggression challenges its sovereignty and defies warning calls.
An estimated timeline for Taiwan's defense suggests the island nation might need to withstand an invasion attempt for several months, allowing enough time for allies to provide assistance. A key factor in this response hinges on an immediate and aggressive response to the initial phases of the invasion attempt.
China's ability to deploy troops undetected using civilian vessels, like the Gulangyu cruise ship, raises concerns of a credible threat to Taiwan's security. To combat this, Taiwan should prioritize investing in advanced coastal and maritime surveillance technologies. This includes sea and underwater drones, radar systems, sonar arrays, and drones for airtight monitoring of its extensive coastlines.
Establishing a clear protocol for engaging Chinese vessels that intrude into Taiwanese territorial waters is crucial. In facing this challenge, Taiwan must be ready to defend itself promptly if necessary, all while avoiding provoking unintended conflicts. Concurrently, Taiwan should attempt to secure international support by manipulating the information space in its favor, framing Chinese incursions as unwarranted aggression, and leveraging partnerships with allied nations.
In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, Taiwan must strategically navigate its responses to potential conflicts with China, aiming to present Chinese forces as aggressors and a threat to the general-news region to secure international support. To combat the credible threat posed by undetected Chinese troop deployments using civilian vessels, Taiwan ought to prioritize investing in advanced coastal and maritime surveillance technologies, such as sea and underwater drones, radar systems, sonar arrays, and drones for airtight monitoring of its extensive coastlines, establishing a clear protocol for engaging Chinese vessels that intrude into Taiwanese territorial waters.
