Keep pulling the thread on The Boiling Moat.
A potential war over Taiwan initiated by China is deterrable, but requires urgent action from the United States, Japan, Australia, Europe, and Taiwan.
Deterring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan requires eroding Xi Jinping's personal sense of optimism that he can win, as he is the sole decision-maker that matters.
Taiwan recently extended its mandatory military conscription period from four months to one year.
Taiwan's defense strategy should focus on preparing for a full-blown invasion, as this would also deter lesser military actions like an offshore island capture or a blockade.
The recently passed national security supplemental bill included a dramatic increase in funding for Taiwan's military capabilities.
The Biden administration's defense budgets are shrinking the size of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
By the end of this decade, the U.S. Navy is projected to have 140 to 150 fewer ships than China's People's Liberation Army Navy.
The U.S. has the necessary technology to deter or defeat a Chinese invasion of Taiwan but lacks sufficient quantities of munitions.
U.S. defense spending has stagnated for the past decade, currently at approximately 2.3% of GDP.
The economic sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine have established the minimum level of response that China should expect if it invades Taiwan.
Japan would inevitably be drawn into any military conflict over Taiwan.
U.S. defense spending is on a trajectory to fall below 3% of GDP.