Despite these efforts, Taiwan remains deeply vulnerable to China’s military might. With a population of just over 23 million people, Taiwan has a relatively small military and limited resources to defend itself against a major power like China.
“They (China) are a military giant, and even if they only use a fraction of their military power, it could be very difficult for Taiwan to defend itself,” said Huang.
Despite the challenges, Taiwan remains determined to defend its sovereignty and independence. While the government in Taipei continues to pursue closer ties with the United States and other allies, the country’s military leaders are focused on building a strong, capable military that can defend Taiwan against any threat.
“We are doing everything we can to prepare for the worst-case scenario. We hope it never happens, but we have to be prepared,” said Huang.
In recent years, China has grown increasingly assertive in its territorial claims across the Pacific, including in the South China Sea and East China Sea. The country’s military buildup has also sparked concerns in neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Despite these concerns, China has shown no signs of backing down, and its leaders appear determined to expand China’s influence across the region.
As China’s military might continues to grow, the United States and its allies are increasingly focused on countering Chinese aggression and ensuring stability across the Pacific.
“We view China as a strategic competitor. We have an interest in ensuring that China doesn’t dominate or control the region,” said Huang.
