The Evolution of Taiwan’s Defense Strategy:Deterrence, Hybrid Warfare, and More | Taiwan Talks EP 87

Chinese coercion and military intimidation of Taiwan continues with daily saber-rattling of fighter jets and ships around Taiwan’s airspace and waters, sanctions, and cognitive warfare. Taiwan Talks obtained a rare inside view from one of Taiwan’s former top military leaders on China’s grand plan to take over Taiwan. Lin Chong-Pin, former Deputy Minister of National Defense, speaks exclusively about Taiwan’s defense priorities, working with the U.S. and like-minded democracies in collective deterrence, and how China is infiltrating the island nation from within.

The former Deputy Minister also touches on how tensions between Taiwan and China appear to be slightly cooling with allegedly undisclosed talks between the Taiwan government and Beijing. Cues can be drawn from a softer stance on Taiwan by outgoing Chinese Premier Li Keqiang as he delivered his final work report at the National People's Congress. Li mentioned “peace” twice, a word recently absent from Chinese leaders, while still refusing to renounce the use of force over Taiwan. Lin details how Taiwan should strengthen its deterrence through boosting hybrid warfare capabilities and deepening ties with the U.S. and regional allies, even though war with China may still appear distant.

We also hear from U.S. military expert, Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute, on the American focus on regional collective deterrence and the U.S.’ core policy on making Xi Jinping think twice before ordering an invasion.

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Thank you for organizing this interview.