Faced with the looming threat from China, Taiwan is equipping itself with an articulated defence strategy, combining advanced technology, military innovation and targeted geopolitical manoeuvres. The island, considered a ‘rebel province‘ by Beijing, has intensified its efforts to counter invasion scenarios, focusing on deterrence, mobility and military infrastructure. Taiwan has realised that it needs to work independently on defence.

Chinese barges: a new tool for invasion
According to recent reports, which we have reported, China is building special barges equipped with movable bridges up to 120 metres long, designed to facilitate the landing of tanks and heavy equipment on unsuitable beaches or surfaces. These ‘moving gates’ would allow Beijing to overcome one of the main obstacles in an amphibious invasion: the need to control Taiwan’s ports.

Barges, similar to those used by the Allies on D-Day, represent a strategic element that could change the rules of the game. If combined with civil ferries modified for military purposes, they could significantly expand landing options. Taiwan, however, has developed sophisticated countermeasures to deal with the threat.

Advanced weaponry and Ipersonic missiles

One of the pillars of Taiwanese defence is the development of advanced weaponry, such as the Ching Tien hypersonic missiles. These systems, with a range of more than 2,000 kilometres, are designed to target critical infrastructure and Chinese military bases, including areas as far away as the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia.

Taipei also relies heavily on mobile platforms to improve the survivability of launch systems and increase their operational flexibility. The Hsiung Feng IIE cruise missile, capable of reaching Beijing and Shanghai, is another example of Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic deterrence. Domestic production of around 500 missiles per year also ensures technological autonomy, a crucial element in a prolonged conflict scenario.

Technical characteristics and potential of missiles made in Taiwan

The ‘Qingtian’ is an evolution of the earlier Yunfeng and Yungeng II missile programmes, but introduces important improvements:

• Hypersonic speed: it travels at Mach 6, making it almost impossible to intercept.
• Extended range: allows you to hit targets far beyond the borders of the island.
• Operational versatility: it can be launched from both mobile and fixed platforms, increasing the response capability in the event of an attack.

To improve mobility and survivability, Taiwan is evaluating several options for launch platforms, including the Czech-made TatraForce 12X12 trucks and the American-made Oshkosh M983, which are known for their durability in difficult terrain.

Military and geopolitical preparedness

In addition to technological developments, Taiwan is actively preparing in the field. Recent naval exercises, held near Kaohsiung, involved six warships in emergency manoeuvres, simulated attacks and underwater rescue operations. These activities not only enhance operational readiness, but also send a clear message of determination to the population and international observers.

According to a Taiwanese navy spokesman, the exercises are aimed at securing maritime borders and demonstrating the island’s ability to respond to immediate threats. Meanwhile, Taipei continues to denounce Chinese military exercises as part of an intimidation strategy aimed at undermining its sovereignty. Beijing has never stopped sending jets or military ships around the island in the past five years.

Close cooperation with allies – Japan and the Philippines

Taiwan is not alone in facing this situation: its allies are helping to strengthen the island’s security. Recently, Japan provided the Philippine government with five coastal surveillance radars to monitor the Bashi Strait, a strategic waterway between Taiwan and the Philippines. This technological support aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the region, a key point for global trade routes.

Furthermore, the Philippines is preparing contingency plans for the evacuation of its citizens from Taiwan in the event of conflict, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.

Editor’s Note:

What Guido Gargiulo told us in his article shows that – in the end – an eventual annexation of Taiwan by Beijing would not be a piece of cake. As in the case of Ukraine, the Taiwanese appear ready to defend their island and their freedom, being able to count on first-class technological and military capabilities. The role of regional allies remains crucial, as does that of the United States, whose strategic choices could prove decisive. It is a serious mistake to think that ‘pragmatism’ advises leaving Taiwan to China, perhaps by including it in some ‘grand partition’ where the annexation of Ukrainian territories occupied by Moscow is recognised, in exchange for concessions such as Greenland or the Panama Canal. What should have applied to Ukraine applies to Taiwan: guaranteeing security and protection serves, if anything, to avert the spectre of a devastating conflict, not to provoke it.