It Takes the People, Not Arms, to Build a Hedgehog Island
China Times Editorial, March 12, 2022
Most people sympathize with the weaker Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War. To our surprise, however, Russia did not win a decisive victory on its first strike.
Russia first attacked the military strongholds in Ukrainian with missiles, then gained air and sea dominance, and finally sent ground troops in. This combat mode is similar to that of China's and also not far from the combat scenario of attack from China in the series of Han Kuan Exercise. In this sense, the Russia-Ukraine War serves as a case to re-evaluate the strength and deficiencies of Taiwan's military forces and to guide us how to build Taiwan's military in preparation against war in the future.
However, military strength is not equivalent to combat power. According to the Military Strength Index published by the Credit Suisse, Taiwan ranks No. 13, higher than Israel.
But, in terms of combat power, we all know in our heart that Taiwan is no match to that of Israel.
Combat power is the combination of military strength and people willpower. Ukraine forces is an underdog, but the will of its people to resist, to fight against Russian forces has won the respect of the world. In contrast, Taiwanese youth's will to defend the country and its willingness to receive military training is still in question, even at "the most dangerous time" to Taiwan as put by the Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng.
After the implementation of the conscription system years ago, most people in Taiwan think defending Taiwan is the military's business; not the ordinary people. Although the Ministry of National Defense has strived to booster the "National Defense Education," the method used is too shallow, like a carnival. In response to a question in the Legislative Yuan how should we react "when attacked by Chinese missiles," Premier Su was unable to answer, let alone the ordinary people. This shows that "National Defense Education" has not linked with "All-Out Defense Mobilization."
Against the backdrop of the rise of mainland Chinese military strength, Taiwan's military forces has no longer had effective deterrence against military threat from the mainland. At this juncture, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) administration still has kept irritating China by waving the “Anti-China" standard, which has led to the serious tensions in the Taiwan Strait we see today. DPP claims to build "a Hedgehog Island" with weapons purchased from the United States. But it fails to learn that people are the key, even with advanced weapons. However, the system of Taiwan's military service has been changed beyond recognition by the politicians. The training for compulsory service is way too inadequate, while the recruitment of volunteers falls far short of the specified number. In addition, to avoid accidents in training, the intensity has to be lowered, the time shortened. As a result, the combat power of Taiwan's military has been drastically weakened.
Through internet and TV news, people of Taiwan have witnessed the agony of displaced Ukraine’s and the ravage inflicted by war. They naturally are scared of war and are concerned if Taiwan will be the next. They may therefore hold in doubt DPP's confrontational approach toward China and jeopardize the foundation of DPP's rule. That is why DPP reiterated repeatedly that "Taiwan is not Ukraine."
Taiwan is surround by oceans, its people cannot escape to the neighboring countries like Ukrainians. The weapons from all over the world can flow to Ukraine, but Taiwan can only fend for itself. In this sense, Taiwan is not Ukraine. Given the fact that nations can only impose economic sanctions against a nuclear power like Russia, how practical is Taiwan’s combat scenario of "waiting for outside help" against a nuclear China?!
At present, people on Taiwan feel more insecure, and doubt more on whether Taiwan is able to win the next war, given the current security environment and the preparedness of Taiwan's military forces. Consequently, the subjects of extending the time of military service and intensifying military training have been broached.
As we know, with new weapon systems and equipment comes new units. In the case of Taiwan, they are the Navy's Missile Command, the Air Force's new F16V Squadrons, and the Army's five reserve brigades. At a time when aging and low birth rate will go from bad to worse in Taiwan, where can we get the man power for the new units when we are not even able to fill in the shortage in the current troops?
We have to be able to fight a war to avoid war. Taiwan's current system of service, training method, combat scenario and all-out Defense have to undergo overall review. The formalism, the faking and the yes-man mentality, all have to be eradicated. Most important of all, a responsible party should focus on avoiding the war and providing for the future generation a secure environment, and not on winning the next general election. This is what the people want.
From: https://www.chinatimes.com/opinion/20220312002756-262101?chdtv