Taiwan is attempting to shift from a conscript military to a volunteer, professional military in a very short time frame. Can the army recruit enough personnel to maintain a credible defense? In 1973, when United States began its transition from a conscript army to an all-volunteer force, no one was sure whether the move would…
Despite improved cross-Strait relations, China is continuing massive spending to build up its military capability, with Taiwan remaining prominently in the PLA’s crosshairs. Can advanced weapons procurement and the implementation of “asymmetrical strategies” enable Taiwan to meet the challenge of providing sufficient defensive strength? On the face of it, Taiwan’s chances of prevailing in an…
RAISING CONTROVERSY — Taiwan’s representative in the United States thought a flag-raising ceremony would demonstrate improved U.S.-Taiwan relations, but the U.S. government reacted strongly that it did not appreciate the move. When an unprecedented ceremony raising the flag of the Republic of China took place January 1 at Twin Oaks, a Washington, D.C. estate owned…
