I know from the newspapers in 1978-1979 there was reporting about possible nuclear explosions off the cape of S. Africa. It was also speculated that Israel, S. Korea, Taiwan and S. Africa (White Ruled), were working together to develop nuclear weapons.
At that time in the UN, all four of these nations were only observers rather than actual voting members. S. Korea got their recognition with the Olympics of 1988. Taiwan is in the same “boat” as is Israel, surrounded by enemies. S. Africa turned over their weapons of all type before De Kirik Government was passed over to the communist Mandela. S. Korea is rumored to have placed at least 25 nuclear mines in approach routes the North Koreans would use to invade with a conventional armies.
There are three nations remaing to the original group and none have been attacked by a nation (exception of Sadam’s missiles against Israel) since that timeframe of development. What is important is that these three have a self defense pact to aid one another. How that secret agreement works is anyone’s guess, but aircraft could deliver assistance or drop ordance as well as missile strikes.
Even if Taiwan used their nukes only at Sea or against any foothold of Chicoms at isolated mountain passes or beachheads, it would defeat the attackers without attacking China directly. However, once they used those weapons on or near their own landmass, China will immediately be on notice to cease and desist hositilities.
You correct about Taiwan having nukes, but when they had the capability to actually develop them is open for debate. I would like to hear more of the 60’s timeframe you mention.
People think nukes mean hugh explosins. Russia developed the nuetron bomb. It is the so called brief-case bomb. It can be fired from 155’s. These small nuclear devices have a radiation footprint that leaves buildings intact but dispates to the point buildings can be reoccupied in as little as 5 or 6 weeks. If you want to destroy an enemy in close quarter combat you use nuetrons; cities or to make a statement you use convention nukes so to speak. Nukes can also be fired or set off to clear chemical or biological areas that cannot be bypassed for theater operatons. Of course the soldiers who would fight thru would eventually die of radiation posioning but they could fight 24 hours effectivly.
Red China exploded it's first atomic device in 1964. As far as we know, Taiwan does not have nuclear weapons.
“People think nukes mean hugh explosins. Russia developed the nuetron bomb. It is the so called brief-case bomb. It can be fired from 155’s. These small nuclear devices have a radiation footprint that leaves buildings intact but dispates to the point buildings can be reoccupied in as little as 5 or 6 weeks. If you want to destroy an enemy in close quarter combat you use nuetrons; cities or to make a statement you use convention nukes so to speak. Nukes can also be fired or set off to clear chemical or biological areas that cannot be bypassed for theater operatons. Of course the soldiers who would fight thru would eventually die of radiation posioning but they could fight 24 hours effectivly.”
You may want to rewrite that paragraph on Neutron bombs, backpack bombs, and American 155 tactical shells.