ABSTRACT
An armed conflict between China and Taiwan remains possible despite the past five years improvements in cross-Strait relations. Taiwan's air force and navy can no longer counter these threats, so Taipei needs to aggressively develop and field 'asymmetrical forces' such as author first described in a 2008 paper. Taiwan must find an alternate means of defeating an invasion and countering a blockade if cross-Strait deterrence is to be maintained and crisis stability enhanced. According to a 2012 Department of Defense report, the PLA continued to build the capabilities and develop the doctrine it considers necessary to deter Taiwan from declaring independence; to deter, delay, and deny effective US intervention in a potential cross-Strait conflict; and to defeat Taiwan forces in the event of hostilities. Taiwan's air force cannot be expected to make a meaningful wartime contribution to the defense of Taiwan. Taiwan's Navy when in port is vulnerable to accurate PRC missiles.
