ABSTRACT

Recent concern about mainland China's intentions towards Taiwan, and more general concern about the risk of instability in the region, has led to growing interest in Taiwan's military strategy, in how Taiwan perceives threats to itself, and in how the Taiwanese military are reacting to these perceived threats. This book, which includes contributions by leading Taiwanese military thinkers, explores current military strategy in Taiwan and how it is evolving. It discusses Taiwan's military modernisation, and the implications of the recent defeat after fifty years in power of the Kuomintang Party, implications which include a move away from an authoritarian garrison state culture, and the beginnings of a more open debate about defence. The book concludes with an overall appraisal of Taiwan's defence vision and makes recommendations on how Taiwan's defence might be enhanced.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

The relevance of Taiwan's future defense

part I|37 pages

The external security environment

chapter 2|19 pages

PLA capabilities in the next decade

The influence of politics

part II|45 pages

Evolution of Taiwan's military strategy

part III|58 pages

Taiwan's military modernization

chapter 5|17 pages

Planning the Army's modernization

chapter 6|13 pages

A review of the ROC'S military reform

A case study of the Taiwanese Navy

chapter 7|26 pages

Air power in Taiwan's security

Adapting the revolution

part IV|99 pages

The cornerstones of Taiwan's defense vision

chapter 8|22 pages

Theater missile defense

Its influence on cross-Strait and Asia-Pacific security

chapter 9|32 pages

The evolution of the ROC's military—societal relations

From militarized society to socialized military

part V|25 pages

Conclusion: Defending Taiwan