Taiwan’s Will to Fight Isn’t the Problem | War on the Rocks

“China’s increasingly powerful military has bracketed Taiwan with exercises. Its air and naval forces launch daily incursions, and Beijing has erased the unofficial maritime border between them. Yet, many Americans are baffled by a Taiwanese public that is seemingly oblivious, resigned, or apathetic to these threats.Taiwan’s former cultural minister lamented the absence of a “will to fight” crucial to the island’s defense. Current Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has criticized Taiwan for “showing an alarming lack of urgency in dramatically strengthening its defenses.” Why should the United States defend Taiwan if Taiwan won’t defend itself?

But a closer look shows that the real problem is political polarization, not will to fight.”

The authors continue their piece as follows:

• More Resolve Than You Think
• The Politics of Paralysis
• America Can Help