Is it Worth Going to War over Taiwan??

[Logophile]

If we go to war with China over Taiwan, it would be an unmitigated disaster, very similar to Vietnam, unless we actually DECLARE war with China, which would probably result in a World War. We are very dependent on China and vice versa economically, so it may be that Taiwan becomes another sacrifice to Communism. I know for certain that I am against any major military engagements that are not declared wars. What do you think?? Thanks!!

 

[Helix]

I don't support a war with China.

 

[Cardinal]

Not a fan of the idea, but if we don’t defend Taiwan against a Chinese military takeover than NATO allies would be well within their rights to wonder what value our NATO membership really has.

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

Absolutely not. Taiwan is a part of China. They can work it out amongst themselves.

Plus: China can actually defend themselves, unlike Afghanistan and Iraq, so I dont think anyone is going to be rushing into anything.

 

[MrWonka]

If we go to war with China over Taiwan, it would be an unmitigated disaster

I think there would have to be some type of response. I'm not certain a full-blown war on China would be the right approach, but definitely, some airstrikes of Chinese ships approaching Taiwan followed by heavy sanctions.

 

[Eriech]

War with China with China Joe as commander in chief?

 

[calamity]

If we go to war with China over Taiwan, it would be an unmitigated disaster, very similar to Vietnam, unless we actually DECLARE war with China, which would probably result in a World War. We are very dependent on China and vice versa economically, so it may be that Taiwan becomes another sacrifice to Communism. I know for certain that I am against any major military engagements that are not declared wars. What do you think?? Thanks!!

Hard to say. It's not 1948 anymore. I doubt the US could win anyway. Hell, we can't even fire up a computer without Chinese components.

 

[MrWonka]

Not a fan of the idea, but if we don’t defend Taiwan against a Chinese military takeover than NATO allies would be well within their rights to wonder what value our NATO membership really has.

Well, I mean we are NATO so...

 

[calamity]

War with China with China Joe as commander in chief?

Can you at least try not to sound ignorant?

 

[Nomad4Ever]

This is like the third time this question has been posted. But I'll post my answer again anyway.

I don't think the US is the world police. We need to stop trying to personally fix problems. China aggressively invading its neighbors is a global issue, not just a US issue. It won't happen because of how the UN is structured, but really that's ideally where the response should be coming from, and at first that response should be economic.

Theoretically there is a point where there should be war with China. I don't think Taiwan is it, but if we ever reach that point it needs to be the majority of the rest of the world making that choice, not just the US. That decision will effect us all and that is too major of an effect for one country to make. It would have to be a WWII type situation where a large amount of the world sees something has to be done.

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

Not a fan of the idea, but if we don’t defend Taiwan against a Chinese military takeover than NATO allies would be well within their rights to wonder what value our NATO membership really has.

Taiwan is not a NATO signatory.

 

[Allan]

If we go to war with China over Taiwan, it would be an unmitigated disaster, very similar to Vietnam,

Not even close to Vietnam. China has a serious army that should not be messed with.

If China invades Vietnam the only recourse would be sanctions which would likely be almost universally supported (except for the usual culprits such as Russia, North Korea etc).

The result of sanctions would be devastating to China's economy and likely trigger substantial internal unrest.

 

[Logophile]

Not a fan of the idea, but if we don’t defend Taiwan against a Chinese military takeover than NATO allies would be well within their rights to wonder what value our NATO membership really has

I won't support anything undeclared. These protracted "military actions" are exercises in defeat. Winning is paramount, so if we engage, we will likely wind up a World War. However, it's probably the only avenue to Taiwan's autonomy. That said, if we do it, we better do it soon. China's not getting any weaker, but much stronger in resolve. Do we have a commitment to Taiwan through NATO?? I don't think so. Thanks!!

 

[TheParser]

It all depends on how one defines "war."

Of course, NO American troops should be involved.

But YES to: (a) selling or giving effective weapons to Taiwan and (b) using American satellites to alert the Taiwanese about the movements of the enemy and (c) quietly telling the hair-dyed Emperor that the seizure of Taiwan would result in the severance of diplomatic relations.

I realize that the United States is in a tough position because so many Americans (athletes, CEOs, politicians, et al.) are involved in making money in China that they are eager to kowtow on all fours before the Emperor.

 

[bongsaway]

Here's an idea, make chips in america so we don't have to depend on other countries to make them for us.

Taiwan is not a part of NATO and I think it would not be a good idea to go to another non declared war on the other side of the world. We gain nothing and lose a lot.

 

[Allan]

I realize that the United States is in a tough position because so many Americans (athletes, CEOs, politicians, et al.) are involved in making money in China that they are eager to kowtow on all fours before the Emperor.

The entire world economy is dependent on the health of the Chinese economy. Look at the recent impact the health of just one Chinese real estate developer had on the market. Imagine their entire economy going bust due to sanctions.

 

[Logophile]

Not even close to Vietnam. China has a serious army that should not be messed with.

If China invades Vietnam the only recourse would be sanctions which would likely be almost universally supported (except for the usual culprits such as Russia, North Korea etc).

The result of sanctions would be devastating to China's economy and likely trigger substantial internal unrest.

It was the Chinese army that essentially defeated us in Vietnam so it's very similar to Vietnam if we defend Taiwan. China had a serious military then, as it does now, so on that point, I agree. I like the idea of sanctions but it's a double edged sword at the moment. We need to lure manufacturing back to the States. Thanks!!

 

[vegas giants]

If we go to war with China over Taiwan, it would be an unmitigated disaster, very similar to Vietnam, unless we actually DECLARE war with China, which would probably result in a World War. We are very dependent on China and vice versa economically, so it may be that Taiwan becomes another sacrifice to Communism. I know for certain that I am against any major military engagements that are not declared wars. What do you think?? Thanks!!

Completely agree. We should absolutely not go to war over Taiwan

 

[vegas giants]

Not a fan of the idea, but if we don’t defend Taiwan against a Chinese military takeover than NATO allies would be well within their rights to wonder what value our NATO membership really has.

Not only is Taiwan not in NATO we dont even recognize taiwan as a country

 

[Allan]

It was the Chinese army that essentially defeated us in Vietnam so it's very similar to Vietnam if we defend Taiwan. China had a serious military then,

Back in those days the Chinese army was not world-class. Today it is. Much larger force, modern weapons.

 

[calamity]

Back in those days the Chinese army was not world-class. Today it is. Much larger force, modern weapons.

...more money and ability to manufacture. The one upside though--they lack resources without shipping from Africa. And, we own the seas...for now.

 

[Cardinal]

Well, I mean we are NATO so...

I'm aware of that, but there are three distinctly NATO-like foreign relationships we have: 1) NATO (duh), 2) South Korea and 3) Taiwan. The next could arguably have been protecting the Kurds, and abandoning them definitely left a mark. (If I'm missing others then excuse the stupidity.)

While we don't have a treaty with Taiwan, It's effectively a "laches" type of situation. The type of presence we've kept in the South China Sea reasonably created the expectation of defending Taiwan in the event of an attack.

 

[Nomad4Ever]

I'm aware of that, but there are three distinctly NATO-like foreign relationships we have: 1) NATO (duh), 2) South Korea and 3) Taiwan. The next could arguably have been protecting the Kurds, and abandoning them definitely left a mark. (If I'm missing others then excuse the stupidity.)

While we don't have a treaty with Taiwan, It's effectively a "laches" type of situation so that that is the reasonable expectation.

Plus, Japan has indicated they are willing to militarily defend Taiwan.

 

[Cardinal]

Plus, Japan has indicated they are willing to militarily defend Taiwan.

Which is actually more unnerving than comforting. It's hard not to see parallels between this combination of alliances and the alliances that drew everybody and their dog into conflict during WWI.

 

[Juin]

Not a fan of the idea, but if we don’t defend Taiwan against a Chinese military takeover than NATO allies would be well within their rights to wonder what value our NATO membership really has.

Taiwan is actually that kind of challenge that determines who is the top dog. I don't thing both will come to blows. They are eyeballing each other. If the US blinks the baton passes over to Fu Manchu. It will be the gradual end of Pax Americana and the rise to leadership of China