The Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) announced that Taiwan’s armed forces are to concentrate on the production of corvettes, which undoubtedly sends a clear positive message to those who advocate for the “micro-class missile assault boats.”
Taiwan proper is an island. Based on previous wars, as well as the objectives and probable attack scenarios of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the key to defending Taiwan is to protect its airfields and ports, and keep the commercial traffic channels safe and open, as much as is possible.
As long as ports can function and the US is able to send military aid, the situation, politically speaking, would become a confrontation between China and the US. The US having Taiwan’s back would deter Beijing most effectively.
To secure ports, it is imperative to keep the PLA’s undersea forces at a distance. Therefore, advanced anti-submarine ships are a must. Meanwhile, China would threaten Taiwan with its air force, using it to attack surface targets. Taiwan must therefore maintain a certain number of advanced aircraft to maintain local air superiority.
Taiwan also needs to enhance its ground facilities to protect them, and ensure the quality and sustainability of its armed forces. That way, Taiwan can extend the length of time it is able to rely on its own defense while receiving US military aid.
As it would be difficult to develop indigenous advanced fighter jets, the nation must maintain its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Should there be a war, Taiwan can ensure sea channels are not blocked. In peacetime, it can execute reconnaissance and surveillance in the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, the corvettes Chiu mentioned are extremely important.
As a platform and vehicle, corvettes are indispensable for Taiwan. Although the military has relatively little experience manufacturing the surface combatants, it is necessary to start the process. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, as they say.
The government should initiate the research and development of surface ships. With a prototype, Taiwanese developers can use their technology and experience to refine them.
The process might be long, but this is the path that every strong country must take when consolidating its national defense.
Chiu also commented on possible collaborations between the Ministry of National Defense and civilian defense forces, a concept that the media has reported on in the past few weeks.
Commenting that he did not know much about the Kuma Academy, which has received backing from United Microelectronics Corp founder Robert Tsao (曹興誠), Chiu said that he was not sure how the military could collaborate with the group or how to position the civilians it trains.
This was an appropriate response. Chiu properly accounted for public opinion and national security.
Of course, Taiwan should encourage Taiwanese to care about and support national defense. Society should also praise those who are willing to participate in the armed forces.
However, with limited resources, it would be difficult to conduct the required loyalty checks and ensure advisory controls for all participants.
The ministry controls the resources for practical training at a critical time with great responsibility. Regarding the civilians’ proposal, it is only correct that the ministry be discreet in its response.
Chang Kuo-cheng is an international relations professor at Taipei Medical University.
Translated by Liu Yi-hung
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