US Congress: "Taiwan's Domestic Conditions May Hinder Its Ability to Defend Against China"

Think Tank Congressional Research Service Releases Taiwan Report
"Defense Budget Increased but Infrastructure and Readiness Insufficient"

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the United States has predicted that Taiwan's ability to respond to a potential Chinese invasion could be weakened due to domestic issues within the country.

On the 25th (local time), according to Bloomberg News, Caitlin Campbell, an Asia analyst at the Congressional Research Service, a U.S. congressional think tank, released a report diagnosing that despite a significant increase in Taiwan's defense budget this year, various domestic problems could hinder its defensive capabilities against a Chinese invasion.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Taiwan's defense budget for this year is $24.6 billion (32.6 trillion KRW), nearly a 10% increase compared to 2020. Taiwan has also been the largest purchaser of weapons from the United States since 2020.

However, the report pointed out that Taiwan's critical infrastructure such as energy, food, water, and internet is vulnerable to external disruptions. Additionally, it stated that the preparedness of Taiwan's civil defense forces is insufficient to repel a Chinese military invasion. The Taiwanese military is also facing difficulties in recruiting, retaining, and training new personnel.

Meanwhile, the Chinese military has recently escalated its military pressure targeting Taiwan. The report expressed concern that because the Chinese military continues to conduct training around Taiwan's periphery, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Taiwan to detect when an actual invasion might occur.

It further predicted that the Chinese military is conducting military exercises in preparation for missile attacks, occupation of areas around Taiwan, and landing operations on Taiwan, describing these as highly dangerous and challenging operations.

Since May 2016, when President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party took office, China has severed official relations with Taiwan and has been applying intense military pressure on Taiwan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.