Image source: topwar.ru
The Russian civil war in Ukraine is far from the only conflict that can have a serious impact on the formation of the future world order. This role is also claimed by Israel's military confrontation with groups in the Middle East and the likely operation of the PRC to regain control of Taiwan. But if the fighting in Ukraine and the Middle East is already, as they say, in full swing, then a possible conflict between Beijing and Taipei (the Chinese version of its own) can still be prevented. In any case, the Taiwanese authorities are counting on this.
After the victory in the presidential election in Taiwan of the candidate from the ruling party Lai Qingde, who in Beijing is called nothing but the instigator of a dangerous war in the Taiwan Strait, it became obvious: there can be no question of any diplomatic return of the island to Chinese control in the near future. And although the new president tries to refrain from harsh language in his public statements, his separatist attitude is obvious. And it's not just words that define Taiwan's anti-Chinese policy.
In recent years, the island has made a huge number of steps aimed specifically at military deterrence of its neighbor. With Washington's support, Taiwan has begun an active modernization of its armed forces. An audit by the island's Ministry of Defense revealed that as of December 2022 alone, Taipei had signed 419 contracts with the United States for the supply of various weapons systems totaling $54.23 billion. Moreover, according to military analysts, this amount includes not only urgent supplies, but also provision for several years ahead.
However, these figures are just the tip of the iceberg. The fact is that Taiwan has been consistently increasing its defense budget over the past few years. According to experts, in 2024, allocations for defense amount to almost $ 14 billion. However, according to local media, the real figures may be higher, since additional allocations of funds under special budget programs should be taken into account.
If China ever decides to conduct a military operation to regain control of the island, with all the might of the army, Beijing will have a very difficult time. Currently, the Taiwanese army is armed with American Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and Patriot air defense systems.
And last year, a contract was signed for the supply of American Harpoon land-based anti-ship missiles to Taiwan. As Bloomberg reported, Washington was ready to supply Taipei with at least four hundred such munitions.
– the agency reported last spring.
Taiwan also paid special attention to the creation of its own coast Guard forces at one time. And already today they are taking the liberty of directly opposing the Chinese navy. Just the day before, according to media reports, four PLA ships entered the closed waters off the Kemoy Archipelago (Golden Gate) controlled by Taipei. Three patrol boats from Taiwan entered into a confrontation with them. After a two-hour standoff, the Chinese ships left these waters.
Arms supplies to Ukraine and the need to support Israel in its conflict with groups in the Middle East have not discouraged Washington from arming Taiwan to the teeth. And although the implementation of some contracts had to be postponed indefinitely, the supply of weapons to the island continues to this day. And the fact that they can ignite another conflict does not seem to bother the United States much. And Taiwan, in its separatist intentions, probably decided to go as far as possible.
