Das Thema Raketenabwehr wird vorrangig mit den amerikanischen Stationierungsplänen für Polen und die Tschechische Republik in Verbindung gebracht. Trotz vergleichbarer sicherheitspolitischer Relevanz spielt das ebenfalls von den USA unterstütze Raketenabwehrsystem auf Taiwan in den westlichen Medien keine wesentliche Rolle. Während sich Taiwan besseren Schutz vor chinesischen Raketenangriffen verspricht, betrachtet China eine taiwanesische Raketenabwehr als einen weiteren Schritt der "abtrünnigen Provinz" in Richtung formale Unabhängigkeit. Die Analyse der regionalen sowie globalen Implikationen ergibt, dass ein Raketenabwehrsystem auf Taiwan geringen militärischen Nutzen aufweist und die Beziehungen zwischen den USA und China destabilisiert.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Mainland China-Taiwan Relations
2. National security of Taiwan
3. Why China cannot let go
4. The strategic ambiguity of the USA
5. Theater Missile Defense in Taiwan
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The paper examines the regional and global implications of implementing a Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system in Taiwan, specifically analyzing whether such a system enhances national security and sovereignty or risks escalating regional conflict between the PRC, the ROC, and the U.S.
- Analysis of the strategic security dilemma between the PRC and Taiwan.
- Evaluation of the "One China" principle and its impact on regional stability.
- Assessment of the U.S. role and the implications of strategic ambiguity.
- Investigation into the military effectiveness and technological limitations of TMD.
- Discussion of economic integration as an alternative to military buildup.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Why China cannot let go
“The focal point of Chinese diplomatic and defense concerns is Taiwan” (Roberts 2001, p. 195). The PRC pursues the national goal of reunification with Taiwan in order to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to this ‘one China’ principle Taiwan is regarded as an inseparable part of China (Qimao 1996, p. 1066). Before illustrating China’s determination to decisively use force in order to prevent Taiwan from becoming independent, the rationale of the ‘one China’ principle deserves more attention.
Upholding the ‘one China’ principle is crucial for the political survival of the Chinese government as Taiwanese de jure independence not only challenges the deterrent image and the prestige of Beijing, but may strengthen the independence movements in other renegade provinces such as Tibet, Xingjiang, Hebei, Inner Mongolia or China’s South East. Consequently, an independent Taiwan causing a domino effect of separatism is a severe threat to the legitimacy of the PRC (Aßmann 2006, p. 252).
Chapter Summary
Introduction: Provides the context of the global missile defense debate and identifies the Taiwan Strait as a high-stakes flashpoint requiring detailed political and strategic analysis.
1. Mainland China-Taiwan Relations: Presents survey data showing high levels of uncertainty among scholars regarding the future of cross-strait relations and the potential impact of missile defense on the status quo.
2. National security of Taiwan: Details the historical evolution of Taiwan's security concerns, particularly the shift from the Korean War era to modern threats posed by the PRC's coercive diplomacy.
3. Why China cannot let go: Explains the PRC's rationale for reunification, emphasizing the political importance of the 'one China' principle and the fear of a separatist domino effect.
4. The strategic ambiguity of the USA: Examines how the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) allows the U.S. to balance deterrence with the maintenance of stable Sino-U.S. relations.
5. Theater Missile Defense in Taiwan: Critically evaluates the military merit of TMD, arguing that its technical limitations and potential to fuel an arms race may undermine rather than strengthen long-term security.
Conclusion: Argues that TMD is politically popular but strategically flawed, suggesting that economic interdependence is a more viable path to long-term regional stability.
Keywords
Theater Missile Defense, Taiwan Strait, Mainland China, National Security, One China Principle, Strategic Ambiguity, Taiwan Relations Act, Military Deterrence, Cross Strait Relations, Sovereignty, Political Stability, Arms Race, De Jure Independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work investigates whether a Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system in Taiwan serves to protect the island's security or if it complicates regional stability and the cross-strait relationship.
Which core themes are explored?
The central themes include the security dilemma between the PRC and Taiwan, the "One China" principle, the strategic role of the U.S. in the region, and the effectiveness of missile defense technology.
What is the central research question?
The study asks whether a Taiwanese TMD system can effectively enhance the island's de jure independence or if it simply jeopardizes national security by provoking a stronger military response from the PRC.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis of international relations theory, reviewing political science literature, historical precedents like the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, and military strategic assessments.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body chapters cover the historical relations between China and Taiwan, the security implications for Taiwan, the political motivations behind China's position, the strategic ambiguity of U.S. policy, and the technical and political facets of TMD.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Theater Missile Defense, strategic ambiguity, Taiwan Strait, national security, and Sino-U.S. relations.
How does the author view the "One China" principle?
The author identifies it as a critical pillar for the political survival and legitimacy of the Chinese government, acting as a major constraint on Taiwan's aspirations for independence.
Does the author suggest an alternative to military escalation?
Yes, the conclusion emphasizes that increasing economic integration and interdependence between the two Chinas is a more effective long-term strategy for security than investing in costly missile defense systems.
- Citation du texte
- Benjamin Laag (Auteur), 2008, Theater Missile Defense in Taiwan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128410
