US war simulation: Taiwan need to defend itself for up to 2-months if China attacks
Taiwan's Defense Challenge: US Simulation Predicts Month-Long Stand Against China
A recent war simulation conducted by a US congressional committee and a think tank has revealed that Taiwan would need to defend itself for at least a month or possibly two in the event of a Chinese invasion before the US could send reinforcements. The simulation was organized by the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Challenges of Taiwan's Terrain
CSIS defense expert Mark Cancian, who led the simulation, explained that Taiwan's mountainous terrain makes it difficult to invade. The island has only two narrow coastal corridors, making it a challenging target for capture. Taiwan's troops are primarily stationed in the north, which is also a major industrial hub, creating a strategic dilemma for China.
Potential Invasion Scenarios
Cancian highlighted two main invasion options for China: attacking from the north, which would face strong resistance near the capital city Taipei, or assaulting the south, which is easier for landing troops. If China opts for a southern invasion, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) must quickly capture a port or airfield to maintain supply lines.
US and Japan's Role
The simulation showed that US and Japanese forces would likely emerge victorious but at a high cost. Initial US attempts to reinforce Taiwan would be thwarted due to aircraft being shot down and amphibious forces unable to break through China's blockade. Unlike the Russo-Ukrainian War, supplying Taiwan would be more challenging due to its island geography.
Defense Recommendations
Cancian suggested that providing Taiwan with 500 Harpoon missiles could be effective. These missiles, mounted on mobile launchers, would allow Taiwan to strike Chinese vessels within range without needing US ground forces.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
US Simulation
A US simulation is a computer-based model or exercise conducted by experts to predict what might happen in a real-life situation, like a war or invasion.
Chinese invasion
A Chinese invasion refers to the possibility of China using its military to take control of Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory.
US reinforcements
US reinforcements are additional military forces that the United States might send to help Taiwan if it were attacked by China.
CSIS
CSIS stands for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which is a think tank that provides research and analysis on global issues, including security and defense.
Mark Cancian
Mark Cancian is an expert at CSIS who led the simulation exercise to study how Taiwan could defend itself against a Chinese invasion.
Harpoon missiles
Harpoon missiles are a type of weapon that can be launched from ships or aircraft to target enemy ships, helping Taiwan defend against naval attacks.
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