Fear of invasion by China
US military wants to upgrade Taiwan faster
07/14/2023 10:22 am
In view of a possible invasion by China, the US military is demanding that Taiwan’s defense capabilities be strengthened quickly. The island needs air defense systems and weapons. The presence of the US Army in the Asia-Pacific region is also to be put to the test.
According to the US military, the United States and its allies must speed up the build-up of Taiwan to protect against a possible invasion by China. “I think it’s important that Taiwan’s military and its defense capabilities are improved,” Chief of Staff Mark Milley told journalists in Tokyo. The island needs air defense systems and weapons for attacking ships.
The government in Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of military force to reintegrate the democratically governed island. Taiwan considers itself an independent Republic of China and has been self-governing since 1949. Out of consideration for China, the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as independent, but it is the government’s closest ally in Taipei.
China has repeatedly called for a halt to US arms sales to Taiwan. Milley acknowledged that US-China relations are at a low ebb. Amid China’s claim to supremacy in the region, the general announced that he would review the US Army’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The bulk of the troops are currently stationed in Northeast Asia, including 28,500 in South Korea and 56,000 in Japan. “We are seriously considering possible alternative bases,” Milley said.