Thread by @ElbridgeColby

I make the case why Taiwan is defensible & why US shld defend it in @WSJopinion: wsj.com/articles/ameri…. No 2 ways abt it: V. tough to do, BUT can be done IF it's overriding DOD priority. Esp crucial w/new admin, assertive PRC & many influential voices saying it's impossible. 1/

Defending Taiwan key for 2 reasons: 1) critical geography in first island chain; otherwise China can project power freely into WestPac; 2) US differentiated credibility - US word clearly on the line in Asia ilo TRA, 6 Assurncs, long record of standing w TWN agnst PRC coercion. 2/

For these reasons, the recently declassified 2018 Indo-Pacific strategy specifically ordered the Pentagon to implement a defense strategy that will make the U.S. capable of defending Taiwan.

https://twitter.com/ElbridgeColby/status/1349340948027858945?s=20

. @DeptofDefense should continue prioritizing Taiwan scenario. 3/

Invasion is China's best option against Taiwan; blockade/bombardment leaves the choice ultimately in Taiwan & US hands. Painful but resistible if Taiwan & US adequately prepared w supplies, relief capability, resilience. 4/

Defeating Chinese invasion across ~ 100nm would require the US, TWN et al to cripple or destroy enough Chinese amphibs & transport aircraft to prevent the PLA from holding the island. Tractable problem for $700 billion + @DeptofDefense + @MoNDefense w Overall Defense Concept. 5/

.@DeptofDefense & allies need to do 4 things: 1) Deploy highly capable & resilient ISR to monitor & target PLA invasion & support forces. 2) Buy/deploy more penetrating, lethal long-range munitions, esp anti-ship, & position them at sea & on land in region to blunt invasion. 6/

3) Ready forces beyond to surge to reinforce denial of invaders' ability to seize or hold TWN. 4) Routinely exercise these components to hone skills & demo credible deterrence of Beijing. 7/