I'm surprised that they almost omitted the point of mine warfare.<p>Sea mines were historically the most efficient marine weapon ever, and Taiwan has enough of them to use them for months.<p>Allegedly, they also have a stash of domestically developed "smart mines," and that will complicate things even further for the PLA.
Logistical is the least of the issues, the effect on world financial markets would be astounding. Besides the human cost the repercussions to the world would be generational.<p>Which would be worse, an EU and USA that do nothing in the face of it or do something because of it. The world is boxed and so it really comes down to China deciding if the cost in lives and to their economy is worth it.
Given the crucial role of the fleet in PLA's invasion plan, I am surprised Taiwan only has two submarines. I would have assumed it would spend a lot of energy torpedoing the incoming PLA's fleet.
Another article, referencing a book, that argues that it is not a foregone conclusion:<p>* <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/25/taiwan-can-win-a-war-with-china/" rel="nofollow">https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/25/taiwan-can-win-a-war-wi...</a>
I wonder if you could drop a few nuclear bombs of small yields to encourage surrender? Obviously its been done in history, but while it might work, the fallout could drift back to China and the political fallout might make the whole thing backfire.
I don’t think China wants to invade Taiwan. They think long term. It’s inevitable that Taiwan reunifies with China eventually as the us continues to withdraw from the world and the mainland economy improves and Taiwan and mainland economic ties grow. Eventually it will get to the point that Taiwanese economic leaders insist on it.