Why China Would Struggle to Invade Taiwan | Hacker News Reader

Why China Would Struggle to Invade Taiwan

cfr.org

11 pointsjohntfella8 comments

The reasons given that an invasion would be difficult for China seem reasonable, but I'm bothered that it seems to assume "unifying" with Taiwan would require a land invasion. Given Taiwan's dependence on imports, it seems more likely that China would blockade the island.

From a quick read, the article never even mentions this possibility. Why wouldn't they at least wave at this possibility? Here's an article from last December that gives what I feel is a better explanation: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/atlantic-coun...

What difference does it make? A blockade is an act of war, regardless. Also, a blockade can jeopardize human life just as much as an invasion. Only "civilized" thing to do is to let sovereign states live as they want (so long as they aren't harming people) and enjoy their sovereignty.

I suppose the definition of "harming people" is debatable and part of the challenge, generally speaking. However, in the case of Taiwan, I think it's pretty clear that this is just a national pride/greed based expansion prospect, and they are willing to sacrifice/oppress human lives out of that pride and greed. Humans suck.

From an external and internal relations standpoint it makes a pretty big difference. A blockade avoids many if not all sanctions and reduces the likelihood that they lose trade partners.

With that said, I am not sure China would really be able to enforce a full naval blockade either. What happens when the US Pacific Fleet comes through?

>What happens when the US Pacific Fleet comes through

It wouldn't, 7th fleet would be going full speed the east of wake to get outside of PRC A2D2 bubble.

Yeah, us support would make a blockade useless. The us military would like nothing more than to show up as heros dropping supplies throughout the island defending Taiwan without firing a shot.

US military not remotely capable of breaking a PRC blockade off her shores (mines, destroyed airfields).

Yeah humans suck. No state would allow a thorn in their side. It's just when.

was just about to say the same thing. till I saw your comment.

they don't need to invade. they just need to blockade taiwan. lay a long siege.

you don't invade island nations. costly, unwinnable affair. however, if you can lay a siege - then the odds change.

I lived in taiwan for about a year.

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