Japan, in its recent national defense white paper, urged caution over China's military expansionism. Over the course of the past 17 years, the percentage increase of China's military expenditure has been measured in double digits. This year the budget was 244.7 billion yuan (more than US$30 billion), an increase of 12 percent from last year. Nevertheless, these figures are actually just the tip of the iceberg, as many items on the budget have been buried in figures for military equipment and weapons research and development.
At the same time, in order to ensure that its maritime supply lines, particularly for oil and gas, are not in danger of being cut off by any foreign power, China sees the need to strengthen its navy and air force. This is seen as important to provide a stable, reliable basis for the nation's rise. According to the Japanese white paper, China has been building submarines and rapidly modernizing its military, as well as developing its air force's mid-air refuelling capabilities and early-warning systems. These are all in preparation for having a military presence in the Pacific Ocean.
China's rise is now an indisputable fact. Although the Chinese rhetoric focuses on how the next two decades are to be devoted to economic development, the discussion about a "peaceful rise" has cleverly cloaked Beijing's expansionist ambitions. The past several years have seen China purchasing advanced military equipment from Russia, and attempting to import weapons from EU countries. This is surely enough to reveal its ambitions to extend overseas, and to become a dominant force in the Asia-Pacific region.
The rise of China has also precipitated a power struggle in the Asia-Pacific. China's influence in this region is gradually increasing due to its rapid economic and military growth. At the same time, this is squeezing out Taiwan, making it more difficult for the nation to compete on the international stage. It threatens Taiwan by refusing to rule out military action, even as it engages in an all-encompassing, multi-faceted war of attrition, manipulating law, public opinion and psychology.
Chinese President Hu Jintao (
Faced with this considerable external threat, Taiwan doesn't even have the advantage of a common consensus of opposition, and the pro-Beijing political parties are vying to get Taiwanese agricultural products exported to China independent of our own government, helping China undermine Taipei's authority.
In the face of the ever-increasing military threat from China, the pro-Beijing parties are holding up the passage of the budget which will enable Taiwan to buy US weapons. This is little short of encouraging China to invade Taiwan, and then to expand into the Asia-Pacific region. The repercussions of all this are very worrying indeed.
Given the threat that exists from China, Taiwan should form an Asia-Pacific security community with the US and Japan, to deal with Beijing's military rise. Without strength there is no peace, but Taiwan should neither engage in a senseless mutual escalation with China, nor tie the question of security within the Taiwan Strait to whether or not China will invade Taiwan.
The best way to avoid and prevent an attack from China is for the entire population of Taiwan to demonstrate the resolve and willingness to protect their homeland. This is what is meant by the terms "civilian-based defense" and "psychological defense."
Shu Chin-chiang is chairman of the Taiwan Solidarity Union.
Translated by Paul Cooper
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s