Taiwan’s decision to decommission its nuclear plant and move towards a nuclear-free homeland has sparked a wave of criticism and concern. Many see this move as a huge strategic mistake, especially given Taiwan’s reliance on fossil fuels for power. The fear of a potential Chinese blockade cutting off the country’s energy supply within months and making invasion easier looms large over this decision.
In today’s world, where the push for green energy solutions is at the forefront of environmental concerns, it seems counterintuitive for Taiwan to opt for burning more fossil fuels over nuclear energy. The idea of completely phasing out nuclear power by 2025, even though nuclear accounts for less than 10% of the country’s energy production while coal still stands at 35%, raises questions about the logic behind this choice.… Continue reading
China’s Xi accused the US of trying to trick him into invading Taiwan, but said he won’t take the bait. This statement sparked a wave of reactions and speculations, with many viewing it as a strategic political move. The notion that the US would attempt to manipulate China into a conflict over Taiwan seems plausible, given the current geopolitical tensions in the region. However, Xi’s response to this alleged provocation raises questions about China’s intentions and long-term plans regarding Taiwan.
The idea that the US would orchestrate a scenario to push China into invading Taiwan may sound far-fetched to some, but in the realm of international politics, such tactics are not unheard of.… Continue reading
Beijing ready to ‘forcefully’ stop Taiwan independence: China’s defense chief. This headline sends shivers down my spine as I try to wrap my head around the implications of such a statement. The idea of achieving peace and unity through violence and suppression is an outdated and barbaric concept that should have no place in our modern world. It seems like the old dictators are more interested in playing war games than in finding peaceful solutions to conflicts. The notion that war equals peace is not only illogical but also dangerous.
China’s Defense Chief’s bold assertion that Beijing is prepared to forcibly prevent Taiwan’s independence raises a multitude of concerns.… Continue reading
I recently came across an article that left me baffled and slightly amused at the audacity of some individuals. It detailed the story of a visitor to Taiwan who was hit with a hefty $9,000 fine for attempting to smuggle in a ‘roast chicken and pork combo’ lunch box. Yes, you read that right, a lunch box packed with prohibited pork products that ultimately led to a significant financial penalty.
The incident took place at Taipei airport, where customs officials detected the contraband using a customs detector dog. The visitor, who had arrived from Hong Kong, was immediately fined NT$200,000 for the undeclared pork.… Continue reading
China has recently released a video showing a simulated invasion of Taiwan, sparking mixed reactions and responses from around the world. While some view this as a means of instilling fear and intimidation, others see it as a desperate attempt to flex military muscle and provoke a response. The video, which depicts the obliteration of population centers and the killing of millions, raises questions about China’s true intentions and the potential consequences of such aggressive actions.
It is evident that China’s propaganda machine is working overtime to portray Taiwan as a lost brother that needs to be reunited with the mainland.… Continue reading
China’s military drills encircling Taiwan, with the intention of testing its ability to “seize power”, seems like a rather unwise move on their part. The act of encircling an island and actually invading it are two vastly different scenarios. The challenges of executing a successful amphibious assault on Taiwan, with its rugged terrain and well-equipped military, are immense and not to be taken lightly.
The potential consequences of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by China would be catastrophic, not just for Taiwan but for China as well. The economic repercussions alone, with the loss of foreign investment and trade partnerships, would be significant.… Continue reading
China’s recent “punishment” military drills surrounding Taiwan have elicited mixed reactions and concerns from various stakeholders. The abruptness of the drills, which commenced just days after Taiwan’s new president took office, hints at a more aggressive stance from Beijing towards the island nation. The simulated full-scale attack on Taiwan signifies a shift in China’s military tactics, moving beyond mere blockade simulations.
The rhetoric used by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during these drills is alarming, with posters featuring missiles, jets, and boats accompanied by blood-stained text. The message of “cross-strait lethality” sends a clear warning to Taiwan and the international community.… Continue reading
The thought of a potential conflict between China and Taiwan is not a new one. It’s been looming over the region for decades, with tensions running high and the stakes incredibly high. The recent report by Bloomberg about the world’s top chipmakers having the ability to flip a ‘kill switch’ in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan adds a whole new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
The idea that major chip manufacturers like TSMC could essentially cripple the entire world’s tech sector by shutting down their operations in the event of an invasion is a strategic move that has likely been in the works for years.… Continue reading
Biden has just signed a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The speed at which this aid package was approved and signed seems to suggest that the US Military/Pentagon had everything ready to go at a moment’s notice. The package includes a significant amount of re-supply and ammunition, which can be quickly dispatched to the regions in need. While Russia may dismiss this aid as useless, it is clear that the sheer magnitude of this assistance rivals Russia’s yearly defense budget.
It is interesting to note the inclusion of a TikTok ban in this bill.… Continue reading
I have been ruminating deeply on the recent news that Taiwan will be tearing down all remaining statues of Chiang Kai-shek in public spaces, and I must say, it has evoked a plethora of complex emotions and thoughts within me. On the one hand, it is crucial to acknowledge the brutal and oppressive nature of Chiang Kai-shek’s regime, particularly during the period known as the White Terror. My father, who lived through those tumultuous times in Taiwan, vividly recalls the pervasive atmosphere of fear and surveillance that characterized that era. The systematic repression, human rights violations, and the stifling grip of authoritarian rule must never be forgotten or romanticized.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker