US scholar argues for stronger Taiwan offensive strategy

美國學者主張加強對台進攻戰略

Michael Rubin suggests Taiwan strike Chinese infrastructure to defend itself

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan should bolster its offensive strategy to fend off a Chinese invasion effectively, Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said in an opinion article published on Friday (Aug. 16).

“The key to Taiwan’s defense will be a strong offense,” Rubin said. Taiwan should not restrict its defense to within its territory. He cited China scholar Gordon Chang, who suggested that Taiwan could kill millions by destroying China’s dams.

Even just threatening to strike China’s infrastructure strengthens Taiwan’s deterrence, Rubin said. Bombarding China’s coastal city of Xiamen from Kinmen could kill tens of thousands, he said, adding, “Infiltration need not be unidirectional.”

China will deploy special forces inside Taiwan and Taiwan should reciprocate, Rubin said. Since there is already contempt amongst the Chinese against their leader, Xi Jinping (習近平), if Taiwan can “make China falter,” the public may rise against the Chinese Communist Party.

The researcher said that neighboring countries may also pounce on the chance to realize their territorial claims once they see China as weak.

“If China invades Taiwan, Beijing should recognize now that no coastal Chinese city will be safe,” Rubin said.

Taiwan is developing scramjet engine technology to enhance propulsion efficiency in long-range missiles.

Its Hsiung Feng 2E cruise missile is already in service, with a range of more than 1,000 km. It also has other long-range weapons such as the Yun Feng high-altitude supersonic cruise missile and the Ching Tien supersonic cruise missile, but both are still shrouded in secrecy.