This is the first explanation and evaluation of Taiwan's defence forces and infrastructure. It examines not only Taiwan's armed forces, but also its Ministry of National Defence, personnel issues, and civil-military relations. It also clearly shows how the most dangerous situation in East Asia is the dispute between China and Taiwan. Beijing insists Taiwan is a Chinese province, and threatens to use military force to ensure that status; Taipei insists it is an independent, sovereign nation. The United States has a crucial role in resolving this crisis and maintaining peace and stability, but agrees with neither side. This new book provides crucial base-line data and evaluation of one of the major participants in an ongoing crisis across the Taiwan Strait that has the potential of involving China and the United States in armed conflict. It examines the danger of a possibly nuclear conflict between China and the United States, which would seriously disrupt all of East Asia. It also shows how Taiwan's defence policies and actions do not match the threat: Taipei needs to develop and pursue realistic policies.

The author served thirty years in the U.S. militaries. He has travelled widely in both China and Taiwan, including many visits to warships, air force squadrons, and army units. Additional sources for his analysis include interviews of senior policy-makers and military officers. This is essential reading for all students of East Asian security and Sino-American Relations and of International and Security Studies in general.