From that map, obviously Taiwan will have to do most/all of the defending by itself - even if the US wanted to help, Okinawa is still too far away
that’s why the Russia-Ukraine War is so relevant ... a smaller force managing to thwart a larger one with lots of MANPADS, NLAWs, drones, high-tech electronics, etc., shows that it can be done
and Taiwan has a strong will to fight any invasion
China will move slowly—and in concert with other nations. Islands first and only when America is “distracted” with social unrest. Look to see Russia, China and Iran working together as one.
That I think is the key to everything.
If Taiwan is Ukraine and they will fight, then we can help them win.
But if they pull an Afghanistan on us and collapse without a fight, then there's no need for us to waste a single dollar or life trying to defend them.
For any who actually listened to Xi’s speech it’s noteworthy he said a whole lot regarding his approach ‘with’ the Taiwanese long before that one soundbite being spread by the media, and often deceptively misquoted. One thing about China that is well known is they are masters at “Waiting”....I think the only way Xi would use force would be if the US threatens them directly. Taiwan knows it’s basically on it’s own. ....and frankly should be as I see it..... The issue of Taiwan belongs between Taiwan and China. ....Though I understand the US wants to keep Taiwan as a checkmate footprint on China’s border and regarding control of the sea trade.
Taiwan is already armed to the teeth - pound for pound they were scary to begin with.
Yeah, seriously. Combined with their geography as a mountainous island, Taiwan might just be the most difficult place in the world to invade.
There’s a reason why Nazi Germany conquered Europe, but just couldn’t take Britain