Zachary Ryan
A)
The steady projected rise in Taiwan’s GDP leads to increased spending in all areas. This
rise also means progression. Taiwan is successfully growing as a country. This leads to
increased infrastructure that is the basis to a growing economy. The standard of living
will increase as will industrialization. This will lead to increased trade and overall
economic stability. This rise will allow a desperately needed boost in national defense for
the country. Growing countries need to have protection for its people, especially in
Taiwan’s specific situation. Taiwan’s successfulness as an independent country may only
threaten other nations that fear competition.
The projected population rise for Taiwan can only help this country. Over the next few
years this increase will cause increased production for this nation. This increase in
production may lead to increased spending and the ability to build up its armed forces.
This along with a steady rise in GDP also infers a significant progression for the country
of Taiwan. With this population boom National Security is needed more than ever. If an
approach is not decided upon soon, it may be too late to implement it in the future.
The Power index of Taiwan is important to recognize especially when it comes to the
country’s future. A sudden drop within the next few years is followed by a projected
steady increase for the next thirty. Although this increase may seem miniscule to other
nations in the simulation it is important to note that Taiwan faces a potential boom within
the next few years. This increase in the power index can be due to rises in the nation’s
GDP which means more funds available for military spending. This economic boom also
may lead to better living conditions that can attribute to a population boom that may
seriously boost military numbers. The only explanation for this fall in the power index
around the year 2040 is the country’s lack in defense. New technologies need to be
obtained in order to secure Taiwan’s future. It is important to secure these defenses now
as in the future it may be too late and too many resources will need to be allocated just to
play catch up.
B)
The objectives of Taiwan’s armed forces are to protect the nation’s territory and its
people. At this time the most direct threat to national security is Beijing’s refusal to
abandon the use of military force against Taiwan. In 2005 China passed its “anti
separation law” in order to adopt military force to “coerce” Taiwan into submission
(GIO). Taiwan’s March 2005 election included a “defense referendum” which has been
urged by the executive Yuan. The two referenda that faced voters was the purchase of
anti-missile systems, and whether a peace framework for addressing cross straight
differences should be adopted. Both referenda failed to achieve the required over 50%
support from voters (Dept. of State). As of 2005 the military budget of Taiwan has been
limited to about 2.3% of the nations GDP. A significant drop of what it used to be
(around 4%) in 1994. These policy changes also lead to a significant decrease in
Taiwan’s military numbers, although these numbers are still significantly large for
Taiwan’s current military policy.
The aims of Taiwan’s national defense can be summed up by its constitution that states:
“Article 137. The national defense of the Republic of China shall have as its objective the
safeguarding of national security and the preservation of world peace.
The organization of national defense shall be prescribed by law.
Article 138. The land, sea, and air forces of the whole country shall be above personal,
regional, and party affiliations; shall be loyal to the state; and shall protect the people.
The ROC National Defense Act 國防法 states in Article 2: The goal of the ROC's national
defense is to protect national security and safeguard world peace through display of national
strength as a whole and building of a national defense military force” (GIO).
Taiwan’s armed forces weapons are obtained primarily from the US, although some ties
have been made with other western nations. It is Taiwan’s goal to stress military self
reliance. Taiwan adheres to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has stated that it
does not intend to produce nuclear weapons (Dept. of State).
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Taiwan’s objective is to protect the nation’s territory and its people.
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To obtain capabilities in missile defense and anti-submarine warfare to remedy
vulnerabilities in countering the P.R.C.'s accelerated military modernization
(Dept. of State).
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Will respond to terrorism and other contingencies.
C)
As the progression of a better Taiwan continues it is the goal of the CMO to
procure better defense opportunities for the country. With the rapid growth of China who
has yet to renounce its use of force against Taiwan. It is the goal of this CMO to obtain
better defense technologies to be recognized as a key character in East Asia. The
obtainment of Patriot Advanced Capability missile defense systems, marine patrol
aircraft, and diesel electric submarines are key. This would greatly increase national
security. Not only does this provide a start to protection against other countries but
against terrorist or revolutionary organizations that may be a danger to the advancement
of a better Taiwan. Patrolled waterways will help with the security of our important
export trade economy. Due to past reform initiatives it is not Taiwan’s immediate goal to
increase military numbers, but the technology and equipment necessary to efficiently
protect the country. Taiwan deserves the same protections that other countries have found
necessary to protect their own people. Taiwan adheres to the principles of the nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty and has absolutely no intention to produce nuclear weapons. It
is only this CMO’s goal to remedy the vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s national defense. These
concerns need to be pushed harder in this country’s political agenda as the people need to
become aware of these vulnerabilities.
http://www.gio.gov.tw/taiwan-website/5-gp/yearbook/p104.html#1
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35855.htm
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/
(Dept. of State)
(GIO)