What Taiwan needs to do to prevent an invasion by China | DW Analysis

Taiwan has voted in a new President, Lai Ching-te, who now faces the daunting challenge of reforming Taiwan’s defenses against the threat of invasion by China.
In this special report, DW’s Richard Walker finds out what incoming President Lai Ching-te needs to do to get Taiwan ready - in the face of repeated threats from China’s Xi Jinping.
In Part 1 we hear from the former head of Taiwan’s military, Lee Hsi-min, who says Taiwanese politicians have spent too much money on prestigious weapons that would be little use in an invasion scenario. Instead he says Taipei needs to go all-in on an “asymmetric” strategy, learning in part from Ukraine’s experience. But as we discover, there are political hurdles to making that happen. And we hear from an influential US foreign policy analyst who served in the Trump administration - how a President Trump 2.0 might view Taiwan’s situation.
Part 2 explores whether Taiwan can reach out to China to reduce tensions - given that a majority of Taiwanese voted for candidates who sought a reset with China. A Chinese expert gives us Beijing’s view on the prospects. And we analyze whether there is any chance of Xi Jinping rethinking his threats.
Part 3 exposes major wildcards which could scramble Taiwan’s calculations - from a narrowly divided parliament that could be open to Chinese interference, to the vortex of US politics which is already shaping Ukraine’s chances of survival.
Including contributions from Admiral Lee Hsi-min, former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, Amanda Hsiao, Sung Wen-Ti, Elbridge Colby and Hsieh Pei-fen.
Full interview with former President Ma Ying-jeou: • We 'can never win' a w...
CHAPTERS
0:00 Taiwan’s new president
4:47 Part 1: Ready to fight?
6:44 Asymmetric warfare
10:20 Can Taiwan count on America?
11:45 “Vaguely suicidal behavior”
15:04 Opposition views
16:10 Part 2: Ready to talk?
18:03 Conditions for dialog
20:30 China’s view of Taiwan
24:15 China’s threat of force
26:25 Part 3: Wildcards
29:19 Chinese political influence
31:28 Taiwan vs Ukraine?
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[@dwnews]

Full interview with former President Ma Ying-jeou: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYvGgpSLh5WskMk

[@guo0131]

Why Ma Ying-jeou? You were making a terrible mistake by interviewing the wrong person. His views concerning China or Xi are badly questioned by all people in Taiwan as well as all the political parties here.

[@kajakjohlopi7843]

Yeah really, and utterly irrelevant to current Taiwanese politics; just a bought for peon trying to rouse some rabble on behalf of his owners.

[@kajakjohlopi7843]

Yeah really, and utterly irrelevant to current Taiwanese politics; just a bought peon trying to rouse some rabble on behalf of his owners.@@guo0131

[@pinkstardiamond]

Ma is totally irrelevant. I don't know why people should care about what Ma thinks.

[@davislin7603]

How much profit did you guys get from 🇨🇳❓️ Taiwanese have been intimidated by China for several decades; Taiwan is always ready to overthrow the CCP anytime if they ask for it. 你們從🇨🇳得到了多少利潤❓️台灣人被中國脅迫了幾十年； 只要他們要求，台灣隨時準備推翻中共。

[@mrclarkson3812]

Taiwan is a democracy ,they can vote for who ever it wants!

[@jacksmith-mu3ee]

Can they vote against usa domination ???

[@mrclarkson3812]

@@jacksmith-mu3ee America does not threaten Taiwan like China threatens its neighbors!! :)

[@mrclarkson3812]

@@jacksmith-mu3ee =This channel doesn't have any content=bot from CCP..

[@jacksmith-mu3ee]

@@mrclarkson3812 List of Countries the US has Bombed Since the End c WWII (may be incomplete) Korea and China 1950-53 (Korean War) Guatemala 1954, 1960 Indonesia 1958 Cuba 1959-61 Vietnam 1961-73 Laos 1964-73 Belgian Congo 1964 Dominican Republic 1965--66 Peru 1965 Guatemala 1967-1969 Cambodia 1969-1970 Nicaragua 198OS El Salvador 1980s Lebanon 1982-84 Grenada 1983 Lebanon 1983, J 1984 (Lebanese, Syrian targets) Iran 1987 Panama 1989 Iraq 1991 (First Gulf War); 1991- 2003 (US/UK "NO Fly Zone") Kuwait 1991 Somalia 1992--94; 2007 Bosnia 1994-1995 Iran 1997 Sudan 1998 Afghanistan 1998 Yugoslavia 1999 Afghanistan 2001--ongoing Iraq 2003 (Second War--more recently predator drones) Yemen 2002, 2009 Libya 1986, 2011

[@harryhole5786]

@@jacksmith-mu3ee Taiwan has voted against Chinese invervention. Listen!: it has never been part of communist China, and will never be. Before WW2 it was a part of Japan, and that's also were it belongs, those Redchinese claims are unacceptable, and negative.

[@C0nstantineify]

Hey guys, it's super windy. Let's go to the rooftop to film 😆

[@willywonka4340]

It's the hair flopping in the wind cool factor thing 😎 Gotta take advantage of this rare opportunity! 😏🤣

[@trevinblount7746]

Taipei is a windy city. I've seen the wind here destroy umbrellas.

[@Elver-Gudote]

I've seen Mandingo Destroy Piper Perri.

[@willywonka4340]

@@trevinblount7746 it's monsoon season all year round in Taiwan 😆

[@hitmanagent108]

.

[@eu7435]

So often we have seen leaders like that Taiwanese opposition Senator, "China will like us better if we dont buy big defense systems." Germany before WW II took advantage of such appeasers to the detriment of Europe. Taiwan should double its defense budget just as Japan has wisely done.

[@Mario123007]

First off, Taiwan legislative of yuan aren't senators, they're just called "legislators". Second, double defense budget does jack if we don't have enough man power to use them. Former DPP president Chen Shui Bian bought many weapons, and they mostly end up collecting dust after KMT won in 2008.

[@user-hf6nr3jp8x]

same in Ukraine, they shouldn't given off those nukes

[@eu7435]

@@Mario123007 - you sound knowledgeable on Taiwan politics. But, to counter: doubling a defense budget means paying for increased force personnel as well. Force multipliers such as Loyal Wingman, drone air swarms, drone submersibles and remote vehicles can all help in the coming war against the Chinese. These combined with Ai should help Taiwan out greatly. Both Taiwan and Japan recognize their force limitations and have many such systems in prototype stages. Weapons from 2006 have a limited use in today's battlefield. The Chinese use the most cutting edge gear.

[@Mario123007]

@@user-hf6nr3jp8x fun fact, taiwan used to plan to develop nukes but got stopped by US.

[@dumboi5369]

@@user-hf6nr3jp8xoh lyk, ukraine would not have been able to use the nukes anyways and it would have gotten them shunned and vilified had they kept them, google it.

[@chenjessi5384]

Taiwan is not alone, we have allies.

[@ericwong4213]

who? US? or the EU, who blocked Ukraine from joining NATO.

[@tokaitrading8335]

You talk as if without knowledge only hypnotized by westerners evils agendas to sell weapons to boost their politicians shares in those weapons manufacturers, can’t you read in between lines these wicked westerners agendas ???

[@davinxi5926]

@@ericwong4213😂😂😂

[@davinxi5926]

Twice, did you see Vivek comments on Taiwan lol

[@jonmadden3863]

Us Considers China a mutual threat. not my words. us government words. US will defend Taiwan as proxy to fight China at the least.

[@gangwu4541]

I pray there will never be war between Chinese people again.

[@robinlee6623]

taiwanese are not chinese ,but taiwan island is chinese territory

[@user-yt7dq2kl2t]

But the Chinese civil war never really ended

[@HewbhurtGabon]

​@@robinlee6623The Han chinese in Taiwan are chinese.

[@heinzlockigehaar]

​@@robinlee6623Sickle-Hammer flags can erect in China. Not Taiwan. Taiwanese don't take long past away country flags, like Russian ancestors.

[@robinlee6623]

​@@heinzlockigehaar Taiwanese ancestors are Japanese colonist and southeast Asian Negrito ， they can wavering any flag they want，as long as they leave Chinese territory

[@auhgnist]

I don't think RoC and PRC had ever declared/agreed upon the end of of the civil war since 1940s. So just a continuation of the civil war.

[@Armageddon11011989]

The 1920's actually. The civil war started after the northern expedition

[@Desmond-1983]

ture

[@KateLicker]

and then Japanese entry in to China complicated it..@@Armageddon11011989

[@America_bombsTSMC]

in 1980s tw always sent fighter jets entering mainland.

[@hsiungsan8063]

⁠@@America_bombsTSMC that’s a Maoist fabrication, as expected from someone whose profile picture says “I love the Communist Party.”

[@theobserver3753]

Russia has been on the war game longer than China and even it didn’t know what it was doing.

[@DPtheOG]

"It's really hard for a democracy to deal with a non-democracy." An understatement for the ages.

[@TheFlagUnit]

Democrazy. KZbin won’t let me use the more accurate, alternate name I have for democracy (hint, it is related to 💩)

[@blolee-gc1sr]

是empty slogan democracy

[@PlaYer-sn5or]

Taiwan don't have the so-called western democracy, every president candidates need to interview by the US. Plus China don't like western democracy which capitals control politicians and rich become richer.

[@paulskiye6930]

Your so called democratic countries are responsible for most of the war in the modern times.

[@nulnoh219]

And yet, the KINGDOM of Saudi Arabia get along fine with the USA. The Hashemite KINGDOM of Jordan is an important ally of the USA....

[@Oldfogey2014]

Yes, the Taiwanese may not be ready….But neither is China.

[@domokun845]

Uhhh, based on what? It feels like you just wanted to make a snarky comment based on zero facts and all feelings. Google chinese merchant fleet or their new amphibious landing platforms like the type 71 or new type 75. Or why their armaments are focused on anti ship and anti area denial. They have been preparing for years. Taiwan being a major goal isn't new to China, it's only just getting traction in the west.

[@Oldfogey2014]

@@domokun845President Xi has never served in the military, nor ever volunteered to fight for the People’s Republic of China. He has had many opportunities when he was of fighting age. Yet, he never fought against India or Vietnam. He is a coward and has no right in asking others to risk their lives as he has never risked his own. As commander in chief of the PLA, without military experience, he will surely lead China to disaster. So, if you think he is ready…why doesn’t he invade today or tomorrow?

[@aurele2]

@@domokun845 based on economic handling of Hong Kong, if Chinese control of Hong Kong was any good, I wouldnt be seeing any Hong Kongers running from China here in the UK because of how bad it is getting in Hong Kong, please look at how Hong Kongers even asked the US embassy on social media to intervene in the economic fallout of Hong Kong because it is that bad, Hong Kongers themselves even mocked the CCP, and the umbrella riots, please wake up.

[@thedude5040]

​@domokun845 uh what is china supposed to do with water filled missiles?

[@yudiji1596]

Germany will never be ready to face a real world but not their illusion

[@duncanjenner4332]

You are never ready for war...unless you are the aggressor...however that doesn't always betray the outcome,past wars have proved this...and tech doesn't always trump determination of a people nor are numbers a guide to a stiff defence.

[@domokun845]

So like the US who has aggressed how many countires since ww2?

[@japjungho4645]

😂'murican

[@Go-ah-oold]

Not True, Ukraine was ready, and the results prove it, they still exist and Russia, even if they manage to win the Ukraine battle in the end, they still have lost.

[@Fred-yq3fs]

That's all well and good. But Taiwan - I mean the people of Taiwan- has to show they're ready to walk the talk. Conscription is weak as it is. It should be 2 years mandatory for men AND women in all the army roles including front line units... which everybody are shying away from to the despair of the generals.

[@urbestboy]

one important thing you are missing out is the geography and history

[@CaptainPepega]

PRC is a joke 😂

[@gregworld6390]

I think most of people in Taiwan are in fact ready and even if not, are working to make Taiwan safer. However some people say Taiwan is not ready. Some people say Taiwan will never win. Those people are in fact the ones who prefer to settle or prefer to not fight. The price of letting your enemy know that you are choosing not to fight is you must kneel and beg.

[@tttuppercut30]

Taiwan already kneel and beg for US support, realisticly no one wants to fight in Taiwan, its like egg and stone everyone knows who wins, and i don't think its wise to account on US thats thousands miles away where your enemy almost like your neighbour

[@japjungho4645]

I truly hope you are a Taiwanese, so you can perform what you preach. If you are not, then you are nothing more than a keyboard warrior.

[@user-tz2ch1im3r]

there not spending anywhere near enough barely 2% GDP taiwan spends on the military with a huge enemy right next to them... Countries like Singapore that have been save for 70 years now are spending 10% on there military in fact Singapore Air force is almost equal to Taiwan and they only have 5.5 million people with no threat near them right now.... Taiwan should be spending 5% plus like Poland is doing. Even Israel spends more then that and Saudi Arabia by a lot

[@aj2228]

you sound like a large language model. ever try some logical reasoning?

[@Fred-yq3fs]

mmm, I've read Taiwan's army struggles to keep assault units operational by lack of man power, and they don't have that many to man! In Ukraine, women happily learn to shoot and to maintain an AR. Talk about motivation.

[@simonloo2168]

Of course not ready

[@HC351]

Why do you need to invade your own territory? Huh.

[@asoret9026]

Let me guess, more weapons?

[@doujinflip]

More smaller man-portable weapons. Problem is the Taipei government wants to continue a deteriorating strategy of totally preventing all PLA presence on the island.

[@ThuyPham-ip7mz]

They think is fubbt by plotting me in the xaofio ever week got nit even a penny they steal all my money in fed uo been years that giek my neighbor Sarah and everyibe

[@CIS101]

As of 6:11 I've seen some other videos which explain the difficulties invading Taiwan. I guess when it comes to terrain, armed forces face all the same challenges as they would in the last century.

[@L-K-K]

Warfare has moved on. Blockade can bring down Taiwan. The stockpile of essentials simply isn't sufficient. The population has not been prepared for modern warfare.

[@isorokuyamamoto8423]

just look at Ukraine now.... even if they can win the war (which is highly unlikely), they are much worse off and thrown back to stone age........ Should always seek peace first.

[@Ivan-tm9pd]

Yeah I was thinking the same it could easily be a 1-10 in favor of the defense, I believe that’s the only reason they haven’t invaded.

[@stickshiftt9127]

You cant negotiate with a bully.

[@allenc.l.3228]

Not a mutual documentary. Should do more research on this topic, not recommended.

[@elihazaelgarciatoledo5912]

Irredentism is one of the gratest evils of our age.

[@garcofair5349]

Separatism is another even worse one.

[@ameliaalvarez1079]

Prevent? Or Prepare? Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

[@muhammadjordanpratama5008]

8:27 I personally think how Conventional War tactics are combined with Asymmetric War tactics, in fact they complement each other and can't make each other feel better.

[@kapamilyatalks5420]

Just in! United Nations just added a new nation. Congratulations to the NEW REPUBLIC OF TAIWAN! For being the 195th nation listed.

[@Wisdom13568]

WTH???? Why choose a rooftop to film? You can’t find an indoor studio?

[@ulooqulg]

Simple , just continue the STATUS QUO ...

[@chewycaca]

greens dont want to do that. But somehow DW and western media would always want to put China as the boogeyman despite all the provocations from Taiwan and the US.

[@borginnydussan3855]

@@chewycaca China is inded the boogeyman. They could just simply...not invade? have you considered that?

[@TeleologicalConsistency]

@@borginnydussan3855 Taiwan is an imperial forward operating base pointed at the heart of China. There's no way it can be allowed to continue this way forever.

[@MarsAlexandre]

@@chewycaca you just lied

[@aj2228]

the status quo is that the US has been at war every year since its inception. The war in Ukraine is gradually turning into a stale mate. Careful when you say you want to continue the status quo. Where is US's next big war??

[@nelsoncheng2674]

I think one thing said in the video is very on-point and spot-on "Taiwan is doing something really suicidal because it is voting for a leader that is considered provokative by beijin but is doing not nearly enough to prevent itself from being destroyed by mainland china." - Absolute Gold. It is a very good insinuation of taiwanese people aren't willing to bear up arms to defend themselves, and that's a very huge thing to consider when you're choosing who to support when you're a capable international third party.

[@Fred-yq3fs]

Yep, I don't feel, I don't see, I don't hear the will to fight, except with this retired general: I 100% buy what he says. Would vote him in, hands down. By contrast, if Ukrainians were inhabiting Taiwan, Xi would have browned his pants.

[@earlpayne9857]

Japan Philippines Australia South Korea can easily step up as monster force to help

[@mahanpathak24]

Nah...

[@Lucas-wn5wm]

South korea neeeds to look to north

[@donald.3896]

If you want peace in your country, defend your freedom. if people are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve peace. I suggest watching brave heart. Sacrifice means freedom.

[@KamFung]

So..are Ukraine and Gaza people determined enough? To have peace, war should be the last resort. Dialogue is the best way to avoid war.

[@hsiungsan8063]

@@KamFung Ukraine shows that have to be prepared for war if it comes to you. It cannot be wished away.

[@Otalk007]

Keep standing up, Taiwan. It's your home.

[@GeoScorpion]

As much time as US Congresspeople spend on their cell phones and laptops, I can definitely imagine that the case can easily be made to both parties to defend TSMC... uh, I mean Taiwan.

[@Bnio]

Good lord, DW, was the “be afraid!” background music necessary?

[@binsun6903]

Thought it is useless to focus on military action for Taiwan and suspect someone in DW has some insterets in military company.

[@sanchezjoel]

Taiwan is not China and Taiwan have their own right to live in peace without threat from her neighbor like China.

[@GenghisX999]

According to Haiti, Micronesia, Palau, Belize, Guatemala, Vactican City, Marshall Island, Paraguay, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Real world powers? Can you even point to one of these on the map of the world? While 99% of world including USA recognizes Taiwan as part of China. The only threat to Taiwan comes from the USA.

[@jeremygibbs7342]

I watched that interview. He gave the impression he was saying keep dialogue open. This is in regards to what he said about trusting Xi on cross border relations. His defense part of the interview, was rather upsetting. But that guy did say he operated in a manner of vagueness to allow all sides to interoperate what he said in their own liking.

[@JonKino828]

Lots more of Biden AI bots. Please post more as I'd like to see how advance Biden AI bots have become.

[@jeremygibbs7342]

@@JonKino828 Your comment isn't related to what I said. Are you a bot?

[@JonKino828]

@@jeremygibbs7342 A bot accusing me of being a bot. First I have seen. Pretty complex programming if ya ask me.

[@jeremygibbs7342]

@@JonKino828 no u

[@TheNewOption]

@@jeremygibbs7342 Yeah, it looks like a bot. the "a bot accusing me of being a bot", sounds like an automated response to being called a bot to make themselves not seem like a bot.

[@aviatorsound914]

The reason why the Taiwan issue is very important is because of trade. Gathering, natural resource and trade For centuries throughout history has been a very important fact in causing wars. “The Seven Years War” was literally fought over trade. As well as many other wars were fought over trade.

[@Fred-yq3fs]

No. It's not trade, it's not chips. Taking Taiwan would show the US is not to be trusted. That would give the whole of Asia to China because the Asian countries would not trust US promises anymore. That's the goal here. That's the prize. It's worth trillions each year, for decades. And you know what? The mood in the US is to isolationism. They believe -right or wrong- that the world needs them more than they need the world. They believe they could do very well alone w/o the need to police the world. The US populace and politicians fail to see that their miliary might and their absolute economic domination comes not only from their own system, but also from the trust other countries place in them. The US has unique positions in global markets because nations place themselves under US' umbrella.

[@youcantata]

My suggestion: lots of sea mines. unmanned one-way sea drone boats.

[@davidwong5197]

What about freedom of navigation?

[@95ellington]

So you dont import anything? Got it, you get starved out in 3 month.

[@aznprodigy17]

If they laid sea mines all over the Strait that would amount to war, and also effectively blockading themselves without the Mainland lifting a finger. Dumb idea.

[@j2h226]

@@davidwong5197 Mines can be laid in Taiwan's territorial waters where Taiwan has the right to designate restricted seaspace, far from shipping lanes. In any case, Taiwan has built some new minelayers and is updating their mine inventory for use in war.

[@TeleologicalConsistency]

Sea mines would just be a self-blockade as they would sink merchant and trade vessels and cause them to no longer travel to or from Taiwan. Insurance companies wouldn't even insure vessels going there. It would be a self-own of historic proportions.

[@richardtsang7243]

What is the purpose of the disturbing background noise?

[@DC-sg3je]

There is no way but to trust xi if he says he will not attack taiwan. But that does not mean taiwan do nothing during the meantime. The interview was so skewed

[@IloveElsaofArendelle]

Agreed

[@huji127]

love to see DW judging other countries affair but forgot what's going on in it's own country. Germany industry is moving out of country.

[@Sophist98]

So should every country only report on domestic issues?😂

[@texasred5665]

You didn't even try here. Blatant whataboutism lol

[@GavinQuan]

@@Sophist98 No. But it will be interesting that a "the destroy of north stream II may not such bad" report by a same Germany media platform.

[@egroegny]

I believe Taiwan has to think outside the box and develop non-military strategies to maintain its status. Taiwan cannot outcompete China in terms of military spending, but Taiwan can develop itself in such a way that maintaining its quasi-independent status is seen as beneficial to China.

[@thomasromanelli2561]

I'm curious- how did that approach work out for Hong Kong?

[@only_fair23]

​@@thomasromanelli2561Hong Kong isn't and never was independent. Taiwan fully is.

[@egroegny]

Please tell me - what was Hong Kong's strategy to maintain its status non-militarily? Also, did the Hong Kong people exercised democracy when they were under British rule? Further, people should remember the history of Hong Kong. The loss of Hong Kong to the British Empire is a vestige of European colonialism when the British defeated the Chinese in two Opium Wars. The British Empire was a Narco State forcing poisonous opium upon the Chinese people. The Chinese have learned from the Opium Wars to never be weak and allow Western nations like Great Britain poision its people. The return of Hong Kong is correcting for a evil wrong committed by the British Empire.@@thomasromanelli2561

[@thomasromanelli2561]

@@only_fair23 Not according to China, as per its insistence on using the "proper name" - Republic of China. It's the mindset and the continuous, manipulative international narrative coupled with China's endless diplomatic efforts to isolate and weaken Taiwan that tells you all you need to know about their long-term intentions.

[@hc1897]

@@thomasromanelli2561 Hong Kong NEVER was beneficial to China in its original state as a legacy British spy centre.

[@bizichyld]

Maybe don’t film your next interview on the roof on a skyscraper on a windy afternoon.

[@CIS101]

As of 7:59 I was surprised to hear the word "fewer" during this interview. That is the correct word to use when there is less of something that is countable, like people, or bullets. So correct usage would be fewer bullets, or less ammunition. I mention this because the narration of most videos uses the word "less" for everything, and I have often commented on any incorrect usage.

[@user-km6rh3cv7t]

Another great program by DW! What is it with American media? Are they afraid of losing advertisers?

[@jaylinn416]

American media works for the pharmacy cartel. It is totally corrupt.

[@FlowingValley]

The fact is that Taiwan is an independent democracy. The concept of one China is just a formality in international relations.

[@Lin-eo5xu]

Even Taiwan it self have a One China Policy in which Taiwan is part of China.

[@user-vr6gl2lc8n]

@@Lin-eo5xu That is, China is part of Taiwan.

[@Lin-eo5xu]

@@user-vr6gl2lc8n Go read the constitution.

[@Carbuncle0168]

​@@Lin-eo5xuTaiwanese Constitution says that Taiwan is part of China

[@doujinflip]

From the Taiwan point of view, it's the Mainland who are the "rogue provinces" escaping ROC rule.

[@Father-klovkoski]

11:38 Colby is arguing that Taiwanese Citizens should give in to China and vote how China wants. This is exactly what China is trying to scare Taiwan into and also shows Colby may be missing key insights into how Taiwan feels and what the situation is like in Taiwan rather than looking on as a 3rd party.

[@east_coast_ceo1070]

I pray for the growth of Taiwan population 🙏 and People ❤

[@elwin3841]

Taiwan's official name is Republic of China. You know that right ?

[@Doochos]

talking to an imaginary sky wizard won't do a thing for their population growth.

[@lbride3738]

Politicians ruin Taiwan and China. Mr Lai can turn this around by just talking to China, open a channel of communication. Let's see what he would do.

[@MarsAlexandre]

He has been trying a lot of times and have been very clear about having talks with Beijing , it is the emperor's egomaniac side who refuse to talk and keep threatening .

[@lbride3738]

@@MarsAlexandre Opportunity presents itself to Mr Lai: He must possess greater character than @MarsAlexandre, by keeping the channel open, letting everybody know he is willing to talk, not shunning from Beijing like a school kid having a fight. I'm sure @MarsAlexandre cannot do it, but Mr Lai can!

[@MarsAlexandre]

@@lbride3738 yes pinky yes , whatever you say sweetie .

[@Fred-yq3fs]

China is ruined. It just does not know it yet.

[@America_bombsTSMC]

dont be silly, he said he is a worker, so he will do something real to raise hate between both sides.

[@edmundfung7604]

Very informative without being able to offer any solutions to the problems facing the Taiwanese. One can only wait and see.

[@deybicedric]

Taiwan's democratic system is a shining example of how to make a democracy work. If China wants to take Taiwan, they would've done it by now.

[@selam1353]

We are living in a time where the peace makers are considered controversial 😞

[@aaaac4260]

Very nice review. Thank you, DW!

[@j.peaceo1031]

Wow! The best documentary-news I've seen in a long while. It captures the tension, mood, and details of this harrowing issue.

[@rbsw2]

Thank you!

[@tjpatton8562]

She doesn't love you anymore bro. Quit chasing after her. You're embarrassing yourself.

[@IloveElsaofArendelle]

CCP China, the needy ex boyfriend, so heartbroken... 😂💔

[@delldell21]

10% of gdp isn't realistic.

[@tomchang2805]

Dear Dr. Prof. Sahin, My name is Tom Chang, and I am from Taiwan. I took Turkish Airlines and 40 rescue men to save the lives to Istanbul on February 6, 2023! Taiwan was one of the first rescue teams to arrive in the Turkiye earthquake area. And the donations are over 50 million US dollars in total from the people and government! In 2011, we also donated over 200 million euros to the Japan 311 earthquake! In 2008, we also donated over 200 million euros to the Wenchuan earthquake in China! You'll never find such a friendly and love-caring country as Taiwan in the world! I have some questions to ask you: 1. Why can Taiwan's government not buy EUA vaccines directly from your company? (The Taiwan government said that they did not get your reply in the final confirmation.) 2: Why Taiwan businessmen who purchase 15 million doses of BioNTech vaccines need to pay commission to China's agent According to the news report, Besides Taiwan,are there any other countries that pay commissions to BioNTech vaccines? EUA vaccines should not be regarded as general commodities but as a way to save the lives of human beings! Take an example: if your neighbor started a fire and it burned over your house and all the village, You need water to put out the fire. But you must pay commission to the firestarter ( China)! Taiwan paying commission to your China agent is completely immoral and disgraceful behavior! Only 700 people died in Covid-19 in Taiwan in 2020. In the middle of 2021, when Taiwan started to take EUA vaccines, The deaths of the vaccinated were over 1000, but the deaths of COVID-19 affected were 900! That is why I did not take any EUA vaccines as well as you! You always said that you were a scientist! But unfortunately, I am really disappointed in your company's surrender to your China agent! Two years ago, the German minister of economy wrote a letter to the Taiwan government begging for a sufficient TSMC chip. Why Taiwan's government did not write a letter to the German government to beg for the BNT vaccine? Because we are not beggars! How Taiwan treats China as it is hit by earthquakes! (The Taiwan government and the people donated over 200 million euros to China.) As reported, Taiwan paid about 100 million euros in commission to your China agent! It is shameless! In 1990, I was invited to be a visitor to a German family in Koblenz, Mainz. Germany is my second country, as well as yours! For the past 3 decades, over 100 times in and out of Germany and I have local friends on six continents around the globe. I hope that you can give me a reply to my questions! If Not I can only open this letter to German and European media! Also, I will ask my Swedish friend to translate this letter and send it to Stockholm Nobel Committee that you are not qualified to be a candidate for the Nobel Prize! Because you neglected and sacrificed the health of 23 million friendly Taiwanese people. All the best! Tom Chang PS. This letter is not for me ,not for Taiwan , but for the democratic world . Taiwan opposition party attacked Taiwan government that it rejected the purchase of BioNTech vaccine during 2020-2021 ！ There are some millions of people believed opposition party that Taiwan government blocked BioNTech vaccine imported to Taiwan! Taiwan opposition party agree that one China two system（according to 九二 consensus in 1992,in Singapore) Can you imagine that Taiwan TSMC will be control by China in the future ? I will never go to visit Germany again if I can’t receive your reply !

[@adolft_official]

I request innocent Taiwanese to learn why West supported KMT. CCP is not your enemy, democracy is a lollipop that west uses to make coup like as in Cuba, Libya etc. Julian Assange, Edward Snowden is not free in democracy. Open your eyes. Get out from information warfare

[@user-yd6mp6vw2c]

thank you

[@AB-fi5jt]

What? Who cares

[@user-nu5mn2pu5f]

Taiwan is just a joke, 10 /200 contries globally have diplomatic relationship and all these countries are tiny..😂

[@Zezi007G]

This fool’s last sentence must come true😂

[@guischroer693]

Does not Germany consider Taiwan a part of China? Is it not an act of agression from Germany acting as Taiwan is an independent country?

[@America_bombsTSMC]

east germany is not part of west germany.

[@TutTravelsVlogs]

The majority of countries in the whole world consider Taiwan as part of China even USA itself. It is pretty ironic, isn't it?

[@America_bombsTSMC]

east germany is not part of germany. we support eg to be independent

[@IloveElsaofArendelle]

Everyone's conveniently embezzles the fact that the island Taiwan as a province belongs to the Republic of China NOT the People's Republic of China

[@Fred-yq3fs]

China is a part of Taiwan.

[@user-ot5ki7vb1t]

Don't make Taiwan another Ukraine, please. Chinese people, both in BJ and TW, are peaceful and just want to earn a good and prosperous living in the coming future. Please kindly respect our wishes for peace.

[@hsiungsan8063]

Taiwan will be happy to carry on with the status quo if China leaves them alone in peace.

[@BlueGiant69202]

Actually, it is an excellent example of what is going on in Ukraine. Taiwan was occupied territory belonging to Japan from 1945 to 1952. The ROC was delegated jurisdictional authority over Formosa as a proxy occupying power of the principal occupier of Japan pending transfer of title in a peace treaty. The principal occupier of Japan (and all its territories including Formosa) was a signatory to international agreements that were violated by the ROC on Taiwan. The ROC declared an illegal annexation, promulgated a foreign constitution in occupied territory that it did not have title to, conscripted the inhabitants of occupied territory into the army of the ROC, moved large numbers of ROC citizens into occupied territory and violated numerous human rights of the native Taiwanese.

[@NeoKing5168]

得加錢

[@gavinharding9270]

its almost like undermining another nation’s unity is a losing battle

[@teacopem]

West taiwan and Taiwan are 2 different countries, so what are you talking about

[@BlueGiant69202]

@@teacopem Taiwan is NOT a country and the Republic of China is a non-sovereign entity and government in exile that does not have legal title to Taiwan under recognized international law such as the San Francisco Peace Treaty. That is why the UN does not recognize the ROC government as a country nor the island of Formosa/Taiwan as a nation-state or country. The ROC is therefore an occupying power given jurisdiction over Taiwan by the principal occupier of Japan that to this day maintains that legal title to Taiwan is still undetermined in 2024 and has never been given to the ROC.

[@guo0131]

Why Ma Ying-jeou? You were making a terrible mistake by interviewing the wrong person. His views concerning China or Xi are badly questioned by all people in Taiwan as well as all the political parties here.

[@martinfiedler4317]

Exactly. Ma is not an "elder statesment". He is a paria that even his own party is too ashamed off to let him participate in election events.

[@Oldfogey2014]

Yes, the Taiwanese may not be ready..But neither is China.

[@davidwong5197]

No Taiwanese are ready. They have green cards and airline ticket. Well at lease the Pres and VP have them

[@pyroromancer]

The lead designer of Israel's Iron Dome middle defense system was in Taiwan in 2019 for a tech convention. he wouldn't say why he was in Taiwan.

[@sparky7915]

Talking to China is useless. China will take Taiwan if it can regardless of who is president in Taiwan. China is just waiting for the right moment to invade Taiwan. Right now the US is strong and could deter China. If China thinks it can get away with taking Taiwan it will do so. Russia invaded Ukraine because it thought no one would mind too much or do too much. Its the same situation with China.

[@JonySmith-bb4gx]

Taiwan is part of China to begin with Lecture Israel

[@asgerdanielsen567]

Completely agree. If the US continues its decline the world will become a very dangerous place.

[@yaucharles91]

Almost all country recognised one China! This is reunification.

[@sparky7915]

@@yaucharles91 Leave Taiwan alone! They are free to do what they want.

[@icey8475]

@@sparky7915 Thanks, from a Taiwanese. Lots of CCP bots around these days.

[@frozensmile6563]

People in Europe may not understand it, but the Taiwan issue is a serious issue that concerns all the democratic nations of the Pacific. It is the spark of World War III.

[@Devilishlybenevolent]

Lmao its fear mongering for 70 years now. Every year two things are said about China. 1, China is about to collapse 2, China is imminently thing to invade Taiwan Yet neither happens. It's just fear mongering for the US to give more money to the military industrial complex and an excuse for them to send tax payer money to the military/pentagon.

[@captives6479]

China's territorial sovereignty has nothing to do with democracy. China's system of government is unique and superior to Western democracy.

[@MMA-gb6to]

why should europe care? because it will hurt US hegemony, and europeans should do something for American papa?

[@captives6479]

China has shown western democracy is inferior to China's own system of government. China's territorial sovereignty has nothing to do with the democracy of any region.

[@Givemeproofkid]

@@MMA-gb6to Yes so ?

[@anchoimaimai]

ROC should have declared independence a long time ago, when PRC was weak and cannot extend its influence. It’s now too late and only a matter of time before it is gobbled up by PRC. As soon as the EU and US stop relying on Taiwan’s hold on the chip fab industry, it’s game over for Taiwan. And that is something the PRC can wait

[@catinbootsnow4267]

ROC declared independence in 1911, after the end of the Qing Dynasty. Please do study some history, and take a look at the Constitution of the Republic of China.

[@anchoimaimai]

@@catinbootsnow4267 no, ROC declared that it is the legitimate government of all China. When Chiang Kai Shek lost to Mao and flee to Taiwan, he vowed to reclaim China and rule it again one day… As Taiwan became more independent and the Kuomintang lost control of Taiwan governance, the people of Taiwan should have declared their independence as a sovereign nation, instead of clinging on the hope of a united China

[@ChristianColvin]

They talk about this during these times so that we do not forget. Not to disregard what is happening now. Communist country needs taiwans computer chips to become world powerl, taiwan wants to be free. Other countries also want to rebuild their old territory/power. It is all important

[@GongGhuru]

Taiwan 🇹🇼 don't worry, all you need to do is look how the US is supporting Ukraine, for as long as it takes. 😊

[@gLtChoUt-nc7km]

Its suicide

[@dianapennepacker6854]

​@@gLtChoUt-nc7kmNah. Invading an island would be a god damn massacre. Look at what happened to Russia in Ukraine against a country right next to it. US subs in the area alone would make it so. Let alone our bombs like quick sink. With that said having mobile weapons that pack a punch makes sense. The guy saying talk to China and spend less on defense is a damn shill. Spend less so they will definitely invade. Only reason Taiwan still stands is due to China knowing how big of of an attack would be required even without US support.

[@ylstorage7085]

Without the aid to Israel component, the bill to aid Ukraine lone had zero chance to pass. half of the 100billion in the bill will be payed to American companies to make more bombs or pay Americans anyways.

[@zhangyanfei302]

Taiwan belong s to China always since thousand s years ago

[@brendon1689]

@Joe Biden 2 years ago (edited) we will support ukraine for as long as we can

[@medicuswashington9870]

1.4 billion versus. 25 million is the decider.

[@bloodnwine]

Didn't Russia said something similar like it will only take 2 weeks to destroy Ukraine?

[@cungcung5042]

@@bloodnwine Without US & NATO help, it would have been true

[@aj2228]

@@cungcung5042 Nato wont help Taiwan. Only US could try, but it'll be the first war in hundreds of years that involves casualties on US mainland.

[@Fred-yq3fs]

You can have as many troops as you wish: An island - and especially that one- is hard to land on. If well fortified and manned by courageous men and women, the PLA would bathe in its own blood. Taiwan needs to double its military spending. Now.

[@dso4594]

You can hear how indoctrinated this Chinese scientist is talking about “we” putting sanctions on Taiwanese politicians. They see themselves as one with the state, no individuality at all. Think about that for a while.

[@syang1116]

Not provoke but prevent There is a grey zone in between

[@supermorio17]

Is Russia really fighting with its full force so as to assert that Ukraine is using asymmetric strategy in the conflict?I don't think so

[@BobBarker-co6et]

russia has mostly depleted its professional armed forces and is now relying on poorly trained conscripts and increasingly outdated equipment. The idea that they have some powerful extra forces that they're holding back is laughable

[@tengchuankhoo6585]

DW is so lost in Asia, it is difficult to begin how to explain something as complicated as this. Basically, Taiwan knows it is vulnerable even without a hot war.

[@ricardobarahona3939]

How are they disagreeing with your statement

[@heinzlockigehaar]

Pay for what you want to get.

[@DisHappah]

Many Taiwannese have become pacifists. They would only get out of that when invaded, and Chinese troops would march to Taipei. But that would be too late for them to do anything else.

[@kl9518]

There are three parties and most people did not vote for this guy. Most of the seats went to the KMT who are against Taiwan's independence. It's a good way of keeping people happy without causing a war and gradually uniting with the mainland.

[@Drduan1974]

Besides Japan and Germany, there are also few additional political colonies like Taiwan under USA

[@azurecliff8709]

You are living in a very tiny and outdated world.

[@Carbuncle0168]

​@@azurecliff8709and that world is called democracy 😂

[@DSan-kl2yc]

​@@Carbuncle0168 the pro china world is democracy. You're dreaming or need a dictionary

[@Verntallat7]

Comparisons with Ukraine vs Russia are extremely misleading. Ukraine was a huge country with a very big population by european standards, russia only had two and a half more population. In comparison even if you take A BILLION mainland chinese out of the equation Taiwan still has a population 20 times smaller, its absolutely incomparable.

[@aj2228]

NATO was supplying infinite weapons and ammo to Ukraine. But Nato would not supply weapons to Taiwan. Only the US could try, but in an all out war, no US ships would be able to get close to Taiwan, it's too close to China land based missiles.

[@Fred-yq3fs]

Taiwan is an island, and not a flat one. So yeah, it is incomparable.

[@fredericksiong8240]

If China is not concerned over the lives of innocent Taiwanese if it invades the island, which it regards as a renegade part of the nation, then the mainland would certainly have taken Taiwan years ago. And the US knows this but is still hoping to try to use Taiwan and its separatist leaders as a pawn against China. But China has the patience to wait out and defend against US continuous threats and provocations in the region, and look forward to an eventual peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

[@hsiungsan8063]

Years ago? China doesn’t even have the capability to invade today. The proof is in Xi telling the PLA to acquire the capability to invade by 2027. Leave Taiwan alone, Taiwan is happy to continue the status quo.

[@eeyore345]

Thank you DW to showing the situation in Taiwan and how the Chinese government is suppressing the will of the people in Taiwan.

[@seeseeteevee]

Taiwan needs to invest in mass production of thousands of sea and air drones. As seen in Ukrainian, there are able to take out expensive warships with tens of cheap sea drones. Thousands of air drones can also set up cloud of drones to intercept and destroy invading airplanes. Cheap balloon drones can also set up a defence for aerial attacks. Training drone staff to use all these drones will pay off compared to expensive armaments bought from USA. Taiwan’s chip making and gamers can be used for this small scale mass manufacturing and training

[@fortpark-wd9sx]

Good point. At the same time, the mainlanders are probably doing the same thing in order to counter US aerial and naval superiority.

[@lifeike8176]

中国的无人机产能会是台湾的上百倍。 要么美国能为了台湾和中国开启第三次世界大战，要么台湾最终会以某种方式被中国统一，或许像香港澳门一样成为中国的一个行政特区，或者直接成为中国的一个省，被北京直接管辖。

[@davidwong5197]

You guys need to understand TaiwaN. tAIWANESE DO NOT WANT TO FIGHT. Their military has almost a 50% vacancy in combat unit. They expected US and Japanese to fight for them. Actually that IS Lai's public strategy.

[@davidwong5197]

@@fortpark-wd9sx Actually China has the largest navy. And their strategy is to have thousands of anti ship missle along the coast with a range of 3000KM plus hypersonic missle. In Pentagon simulation US lost 23 out of 24 times. The simulation is done with no attack on China mainland for fear of attack on the US mainland. Some strategist have suggested put attacking mainland back on the table. WWIII?

[@richardkong4387]

Better and more effective to get spiderman and superman fighting on your side.

[@user-jj2nx1hz1z]

Bro, China has never announced any war in decades, but western media keep saying things about china’s ambitions, meanwhile USA has never stopped declaring war 😅

[@theonlycaulfield]

Taiwan is a common talking point from the CCP.

[@Gorillafishing]

Da komradski

[@NotUnymous]

Great video! Thanks DW for the high quality work in this complex topic

[@rbsw2]

Thank you!

[@blhtml]

this video lost all credibility when the reporter say: "Israel also fighting for existential threats" Israel is fighting to prolong a Apartheid system to keep the Palestinian to be lesser valued humans! Taiwan and Ukraine have a neighbor that want to steal their land, NOT the same!

[@LWRC]

The DDP & the new President need to tone things down significantly!!! No need to do any self inflicted wounds during this time of crisis!!!

[@djunior874]

Hello pinkie

[@xiaoyangdadi]

DPP...

[@hguo7818]

Both current Constitutions of People's Republic China in mainland , Republic of China in Taiwan, two sides of strait, state that there is only one China which includes both mainland China and Taiwan island. So, trying to be independent, first of all Taiwan needs to change its own Constitution.

[@doujinflip]

That's just words on a page. In reality Taiwan has never been under the rule of the PRC, and the ROC has no hope of forcibly seizing back the Mainland. Functionally the two sides were always independent ever since the ROC abandoned Hainan in 1950.

[@doujinflip]

How it's enforced matters. The ROC constitution has no effect in the PRC and vice versa -- and the PRC constitution itself doesn't really hold weight either due to how unlimited and arbitrary CPC rule acts on the Mainland. If the People's Republic seeks to be the sole unchallenged representative of "China", its government should first be predictably bound by its own words.

[@doujinflip]

"China" colloquially has become synonymous specifically to Mainland China, even among pre-Return Hong Kongers and ROC citizens. The Party-run PRC has consistently demonstrated its intolerance and incompatibility with the open questioning and challenge of government policy enjoyed outside of the Mainland, hence the continued divergence of national sentiments among the Chinese-speaking community globally. Officially these are all recognized as in "China", but more as an academic concept grander than the territory actually ruled by Běijīng. Like exactly no country outside the PRC and ROC recognizes Mongolia as a sovereign part of China.

[@womblissimo6666]

"One China" as pertains to Taiwan was the ideal of the KMT when they evacuated to Taiwan following the civil wars with CCP and was thus written into the constitution. However additional articles were appended in 1991 under Lee Teng-Hui that amending the affect of the constitution to the Taiwan region. Only the most hard-core KMT still actually believe in reunification and regaining control of "the mainland". So the constitution has been amended. Not even the KMT were dumb enough to try to win the most recent election on a platform of closer ties to China, as that would have cost them more seats. Less than 5% of Taiwan's population see themselves as just Chinese. Taiwanese have seen how well "One China" has worked for the Tibetans and Hong Kongers and have no illusions what would happen if China managed to get control.

[@davidw1576]

This video shown perfectly the western new media's bias and naive attitude of Taiwan situation, and you whole interview are just with the DPP and not the people of Taiwan

[@Fred-yq3fs]

DW has interviewed many different ppl, with on focus on the DPP... because it happens to be in power mind you!

[@weiyemiao7237]

The woman on the top floor would like to dive into the pacific when she face the conditions she mentioned above 😂

[@shutup-gc2yk]

Wrong. Taiwan does have to declare its independence even if it's practically independent. It's their right as a nation. 🇹🇼

[@shutup-gc2yk]

@@bloodhound850 Oh, look, a CCP bot :)

[@PfefferNusse-vr4yo]

Mad support for Taiwan - Phillipines supports you - we share the same territorial issues from the sea and land-grabbing monster

[@socrates5647]

lol feel sad for Phillipino's ignorance of the facts, it was ROC(Taiwan) Govt. claimed SCS suported by US in 1946, even now it still maintains this position. PRC(founded in 1949) inherited this claim.

[@Bk6346]

ROC has the 11 dash line. The ROC territorial claims mirror the PRC.

[@Democracyexposed]

The Chinese learned it from their past colonial rulers where might is right. You should thank the Japanese, the British and the Americans.

[@peterlongland6862]

@Democracyexposed that's a damn poor example. If china is so moral, why are they copying the very behaviour they despise?! What the British, Europeans, and Americans did was of that time. Today, we view it as wrong and immoral. All nations involved in the mistreatment of imperial china have stated their behaviour back then was abhorrent. Given that china fell victim to the behaviour, why would it like to inflict that very behaviour on others. China is proving it's no better. If anything, it's proving it's worse!!

[@deanzaZZR]

Taiping Island and the ROC garrison there say 'hi'.

[@Burzilman]

Taiwan is a province of China 🇨🇳

[@RoughNeck777]

Simple, don't listen to US politicians.

[@cswanson4476]

Doesn’t Taiwan *mass produce* the world’s fastest, most dense chips? Shouldn’t the AI on their automated defense systems and autonomous weapons be Platinum Class?

[@markushaahr9194]

AI isn’t that advanced yet. Besides, there was a common understanding that there’d be peace between the PRC and NRC. But now, that looks far more unlikely.

[@Givemeproofkid]

AI can not produce artilary shells

[@sikderqais6151]

They make the chips, they don't make the weapons. That's why they buy the weapons from the U.S.

[@onionwarrior7447]

Let’s assume they do make some ridiculously advanced, Avengers-level AI chips. What about the actual weapons they’re supposed to operate? What about the artillery? The logistics?

[@ResidualSelfImage]

not all nations make high explosives chemicals/materials.

[@user-cs8zc6gf6t]

Thank you ,that was so informative. I appreciate

[@jonathanmugridge4792]

I mean the question of can Taiwan defend itself… Taiwan exists now so the answer is already right in front of us. Taiwan is already defending itself.

[@KamFung]

Even Ukraine..with support from US and NATO cannot win a weaker Russia. How can Taiwan defense China? The best approach for Taiwan is dialogue with Mainland and agree to "one China" policy. One country two system is the only way out. It is not necessary the same way as Hong Kong and Macau

[@aj2228]

Taiwan doesn't want war. The US wants war.

[@Hmonks]

But Russian isn’t winning the Ukraine war they only have gain a few KM in a small village that doesn’t really matter 😂

[@FATHOLLYWOODB123]

As an American who's government currently supports Taiwan, honestly, in a regular citizens lives, we dont care, let them figure it out, but most beneficial to all sides is something along the lines of the 1992 consensus, where Taiwan would be a SAR like Hong Kong and Macau however a permanent one whereas Hong Kong are temporary SARS until 2047 and 2049, Taiwan would be a permanent SAR.

[@Doochos]

That is not beneficial to Taiwanese people. why should they live under the CCP?

[@david3549tw]

Quite true

[@IloveElsaofArendelle]

Yes, but you can see that CCP doesn't honor or keep the promise with Hong Kong. In reality, there's no 1992 consensus, at least not in the eyes of the CCP

[@aj2228]

China should pursue the Israel-palestine model for Taiwan.

[@CC-sl4hv]

Taiwan is a thriving democracy. Its critical geopolitical position and its technology advancements has made it an important partner of the free world.

[@awjames1121]

But taiwan must not follow ??.. usa and Germany routes to bankruptcy???.. ....

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

​@@awjames1121prc is the one currently failing fast with a collapsing economy. Taiwan is doing very well in comparison.

[@JuniorSmith-zw7pd]

Taiwan is china

[@davidwong5197]

@@thorwaldjohanson2526 What drug are you taking? Taiwan was in a recession.

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

@@davidwong5197 was in the beginning of one and quickly recovered, while whole industries collapse in the PRC with unemployment and homelessness soaring as well as life savings being wiped out with the housing collapse.

[@alphakwk]

Why taiwan needs to be ready when everyone believe in peace

[@ericbisono5710]

rather acquire Taiwan by force or peacefully, there are 1.4 billion mainland people willing want to take Taiwan which they thought Taiwan and Mainland is one nation. psychologically Taiwan people not fully anti mainland china, it was dreaming the beauty of mainland but anti authoritarian regime and keep a distance is okay. many are not anti- china thought that they are chinese heritage. It is so easy to break up internally. defending Taiwan is lesser hold tight than to pro china, although pro democracy but have sympathy to and admit mainland China as its motherland.

[@alexng704]

Not 1.4bil mainlanders are supportive of a force unification either. In fact the majority probably don't. Mainland also has the same internal issue, many believe in one China in theory, but the interpretation of what it really means is a different story. Do ordinary people willing to go as far as starting a war? Most likely no.

[@user-sb2bu5mi4s]

Taiwan is taiwan

[@jacksmith-mu3ee]

And part of china

[@jacksmith-mu3ee]

@@bloodhound850 India best achievements so far India's Hunger index 2013: 63rd rank 2022: 107th rank India's Happiness index. 2013: 111th rank 2022: 136th rank India's press freedom rank 2013:79th 2022: 150the the fourth pillar of worlds largest democracy is no more India's unemployment rate 2013:4.9% 2023:7.5% Unemployment rate never increase in growing economy.. india is growing only on paper and by loan India's Debt before 2014: ₹55 lakh crore 2023: ₹155 lakh crore India's GDP from 2004 to 2014: $709 billion to 2.04 trilion (almost triple) India's GDP from 2014to 2024: $2.04 trillion to 3.6 trilion (expected)...not even double