U.S. Diplomat Advocates for Taiwan to Replicate Poland's Military Expansion Strategy
Headline: Former U.S. Ambassador Urges Taiwan to Become "the Poland of the Pacific" in Defense Strategy
Subhead: Kelly Craft's recommendations at a security conference in Taipei emphasized strengthening Taiwan's military ties with the U.S. and increasing defense investments.
Hear ye, hear ye!
Taiwan should be prepared to face the growing threat from China like Poland braced itself against Russia's aggression, according to the former US ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft. Speaking at an international security conference in Taipei, Craft suggested Taiwan should model its defense strategy on Poland's military development, following the latter's significant strengthening of military ties with the US.
Craft reminded the audience that Taiwan must invest substantially in its defense to deter China's growing menace. She referred to Poland, which has nearly doubled its defense spending in response to the eastern border crisis, aiming to allocate 4% of its GDP to military expenditures in 2024 and eventually reaching 5% in the coming years. Taiwan, Craft noted, should follow suit by demonstrating its commitment to preserving its sovereignty through increased military spending.
The diplomat's comments come at a time of heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with US military officials warning that China could be preparing to launch an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
Craft's speech emphasized that Taiwan's future security depends on its willingness to invest in its own defense. If Taiwan strengthens its military capabilities, Craft asserted, the US will remain committed to its defense. "If you do your part," she said, "America will do its part."
The comparison between Taiwan and Poland highlights broader concerns in US foreign policy, as allies are increasingly expected to contribute more to their defense efforts, particularly in regions where US military resources are stretched thin. As the military balance of power in Asia shifts, Taiwan faces growing pressure to take on a more proactive role in securing its future.
Interested in the latest news from Poland? Sign up to receive our weekly recap!
Bonus Insight:
Poland's recent defense strategy under the "Piast Doctrine" focuses on unprecedented defense spending, the fortification of border infrastructure, and NATO/EU integration. Here's a sneak peek into Poland's defense policies:
- Unprecedented Defense Spending: Poland allocates 4.7% of GDP to defense, the highest rate in NATO, with plans for further increases.
- Fortified Border Infrastructure: Poland is constructing 700 km of fortified borders, including bunkers, anti-tank obstacles, minefields, satellite monitoring, and anti-drone systems.
- NATO/EU Integration and Deterrence Posture: Poland has been aligning itself as a "guardian of Europe's eastern border," rapidly expanding its military, and focusing on countering surprise attacks through layered defenses.
Poland's hard-hitting military approach, evocative of Taiwan's potential stance, could serve as an illuminating example for Taiwan to ward off larger aggressors.
We don't spam! 🤝 Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 🤝
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2023, September 13). Poland Defence Spending and Military Strength.[2] Polityk.pl. (2023, August 31).Piast Doctrine: Poland's New Strategic Concept for Defense and Security.[3] The Guardian. (2023, June 12). Throwing Its Weight Around: Poland's New Military Adventurism.[4] US Defense Department. (2023, July 14). US to Bolster Air Defense System in Poland.[5] The Washington Post. (2023, June 22). Why Poland Wants Other Countries to See It as a Giant-Slayer.
- The former US ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft, urges Taiwan to emulate Poland's defense strategy, giving extra emphasis on enhancing Taiwan's military ties with the US and increasing investments in defense to confront the rising threat from China.
- In 2025, Taiwan may follow Poland's footsteps by dedicating 4% of its GDP to military expenditure, with the intention of reaching 5% in the coming years akin to Poland's gradual increase.
- As tensions escalate between China and Taiwan, war-and-conflicts and political analysts closely observe AI and space technology advancements, raising concerns over potential warfare and conflict in the region.
- In the face of a possible invasion by China by 2027, general news outlets report that the US military officials are warning that Taiwan should be ready to secure its sovereignty by increasing its military spending and capabilities.
- With an aim to achieve its defense objectives, Taiwan should adopt Poland's "Piast Doctrine," which emphasizes unprecedented defense spending, fortifying border infrastructure, and NATO/EU integration, to deter China's aggression.
- The US spends less military resources in the Asia region compared to Europe, making it essential for allies like Taiwan to be proactive in securing their future by contributing more to their defense efforts, as Poland has done successfully in recent years.
