WASHINGTON: Leaked US intelligence documents have revealed that China would probably gain swift air superiority in any attack on Taiwan, according to media reports on Saturday.
The classified documents, allegedly leaked by a United States national guardsman, show that Taiwan’s military leaders doubt their air defences can “accurately detect missile launches,” while just about half of their aircraft are capable of effectively engaging the enemy.
Furthermore, Taiwan fears it could take up to a week to move its jets to shelters, leaving them vulnerable to Chinese missile strikes.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory
China views Taiwan as part of its territory to be regained one day, by force if necessary, and the island has been subject to increased military activity by China in recent years.
The intelligence reports also suggest that China’s use of civilian shipping, including passenger’s vessels, for military uses has hampered the ability of the US intelligence community to predict when an invasion might be pending.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is estimated to be 14 times the size of the armed forces of Taiwan.
However, Taiwan’s defense ministry has said that its response to recent Chinese shows of force demonstrates that its military is “capable, determined and confident” to defend the island.
Last week, Taiwan staged large-scale emergency response military drills enacting a wide range of scenarios, including strikes by missiles and chemical weapons.
