Shang-su Wu

Nuclear disaster in Taiwan: a multidimensional security challenge

ABSTRACT Despite the low probability of such an event, a serious nuclear power plant incident in northern Taiwan would create a multidimensional security challenge, in terms of both traditional and non-traditional security when factors such as high population density and geopolitical significance of the island are considered. Dealing with nuclear contamination, including evacuation, medical treatment and resettlement, would severely affect human, environmental and other categories of non-traditional security. Taiwans insufficient level of preparation would make external disaster relief crucial. Since military units are likely to be deployed by assisting countries to respond to a nuclear event, consequent Sino-US interactions in humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) could be either cooperative or competitive.

Vietnam: a case of military obsolescence in developing countries

ABSTRACT Military obsolescence affects the capability of all militaries as it relates to serviceability and performance when countering potential opponents, and more specifically in the case of developing countries lacking strong indigenous defence industries. The gradual nature of this military concern has not been studied systematically, in contrast to military modernisation. This paper presents a synthetic framework composed of several indicators to examine military obsolescence. Vietnam has been selected for the application of the framework for its large number of Cold War legacies and the strategic pressure from China. Hanois ageing assets would undermine its position vis-à-vis Beijing, and its defence investment policies face the dilemma of choosing to spend more on naval and aerial power, or ameliorating its army which is technologically lacking compared to its Chinese counterpart.

The modern naval fortress: an additional sea denial option for coastal states

Abstract As fixed facilities, naval fortresses seem unlikely to be important in a sea denial strategy which is usually about mobility, but new defence technologies and the changing geostrategic environment may revive the concept of the fortress. Extended ranges of anti-ship means allow onshore firepower to engage enemies over distance, even beyond the economic exclusive zones where most maritime territorial disputes occur. In the face of size limits on missile warheads that constrain their destruction of hardened targets, various active and passive defence technologies against missiles can enhance the survivability of onshore fortresses. Furthermore, onshore locations give fortresses the advantage of being unsinkable and able to accommodate greater energy and firepower capacity in contrast to vessels, as well as other mobile platforms. The onshore nature of fortresses also gives a different political meaning to being attacked, for the clear violation of sovereignty, as opposed to vessels and aircraft in a disputed space. However, the fact those fortresses are not invincible means cooperation with other existing capabilities still necessary. The case of Vietnam demonstrates how fortresses could strengthen the inferior defence capability of a coastal state vis-à-vis. a stronger sea power.

Taiwan’s Defense under the Tsai Administration

The Tsai Ing-wen administration of Taiwan has taken a different approach in various defense policies compared to its predecessor. Several military build-up projects are aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defense in the context of China’s rising military power, but they are unlikely to significantly ameliorate the island’s inferior military status, due to several vulnerabilities.