Nick Schifrin:
Geoff, Taiwan has long been the most tense flash point between Washington and Beijing. By law, the U.S. is required to help Taiwan defend its democracy, which also produces the vast majority of the world’s most advanced computer chips.
This week, China’s People’s Liberation Army launched new drills and sent ships that ringed around Taiwan. The U.S. said the moves — quote — “put the region’s security and the world’s prosperity at risk.”
Tonight, we look at Taiwan’s military, the steps it’s taking to boost the island’s defenses and the debate in Washington over whether it’s doing enough, the beginning of our series, Taiwan: Risk and Resistance.
In Western Taiwan, the army is training for war. The 584th Brigade headquarters is assaulting its own base captured by a red-hatted enemy commanders identify as China that doesn’t put up much of a fight. It’s a simulation with tanks whose parts date back 70 years and a drone that couldn’t fly because it was too windy.
Privately, Taiwanese officials admit they’re not ready for the Chinese army. But under the steady eye of forefather Sun Yat-sen, Commander Lt. Col. Gong Shu Wei says they’re getting there.
Are Taiwanese soldiers ready to defend Taiwan?
Lt. Col. Gong Shu Wei, Battalion Commander, Army Armored 584th Brigade (through translator): Yes, we are always on the front lines, ready to defend the country and resist any enemy attack.
