Giving Taiwan the trump card - nuclear weapons

Nuclear weapons may have proven successful for North Korea on the negotiation table. Izit time that Taiwan should have the nuclear card for her own security and existance?

It is known that Taiwan research on nuclear weapons stalled in 1988 due to US objection. If Taiwan is allowed to possess nuclear weapons, it will ensure that the communists will not act rashly, thus reducing Taiwan's reliance on US for her defense. Previously China threatened Taiwan with the use of nuclear weapons too, showing little respect for the islanders. Besides China did not put much effort into persuading DPRK to give up her nuclear ambitions, resulting in such dangerous weapons now in the hands of a rogue state(as claimed), and shouldn't ROC be given an option too?

ROC's fall into communists' hands in the near furture(around 10 years?) seems inevitable given the chinese military buildup. Time is running out and it will be too late when ROC finally decide to have nuclear weapons. When she falls our communist friends will have direct access to Pacific Ocean and of course, to the west coast of US.

Let's discuss the implications of Taiwan possessing nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Most likely China will cry out loud at US, even if no external help is given to Taiwan's research on nuclear weapons, possibly opposing every of US foreign policies. Worst still, she may risk an attack on the island immediately. But of course Taiwan should be able to keep her mouth shut while waiting for her first homemade nuclear warhead.

An interesting thought, and certainly a case where the MAD equalizer could be argued for.

If such a policy were to be instituted, one might want to wait until Taiwan's political situation is a little more stable. The country is still a fledgling as far as democracies are concerned. It had the longest period of martial law in modern history, from 1947 to 1987, and still has a very corrupt, mafia-influenced government (although this has improved substantially since the KMT lost power). Putting nuclear capability in the hands of Taiwan could embolden its leadership to stir up trouble with the mainland, and there is no guarantee that the CCP kingpins wouldn't be stubborn enough to pursue an invasion regardless of a nuclear threat, if they are provoked. Pride and face is an infinitely important factor in Chinese thinking, and its influence is not something to be ignored.

Furthermore, the CCP has many spies active in Taiwan. It would be EXTREMELY difficult for Taiwan to keep a nuclear arms program under wraps, particularly considering the specialist materials that are involved in nuclear weapons production. If the CCP ever got wind of such a program, that may very well prompt them to attack immediately. If the U.S. got involved, things could get real ugly, real quick.

One thing to ponder, unlikely as it may be, is that the Taiwanese government is smarter than we give them credit for and they already have developed the bomb in secret. All the political posturing and keeping the CCP calm could all just be a clever ruse to a) ensure continued military support from the U.S., and b) ensure continued economic interaction with the mainland. An ever-growing portion of Taiwan's economy depends on business with or on the mainland.

I never want to see Taiwan fall under the hands of the CCP dictatorship, but the bomb may not be the best answer. Personally I'd love to see the U.S. put a concerted, long-term intelligence effort into collapsing the CCP's power from within. ...but this time do it right.

[edit on 2005-7-19 by wecomeinpeace]

I think taiwan don't need outside help to make nuclear weapons. Taiwan seems to be a pretty advance country, their tech is around somewhere of japan, but maybe a bit lower than japan. I think they are able to make nuclear weapons quite easily if there is no politics.

and whats that chinese word you wrote welcomeinpeace?

[edit on 19-7-2005 by ulshadow]

Originally posted by ulshadow
and whats that chinese word you wrote welcomeinpeace?

Revolution.

I am pretty sure a Taiwanese nuclear weapons program would guarantee a Chinese attack. They actually had a nuke program inthe 70's but shut it down.

They are also an NPT signatory.

China doesn't need to launch so much as a firecracker to keep the U.S. from interfering with Taiwan.

All they have to do is call our debt and we're in deep sushi.

They've had a few thousand years to figure out these kind of strategic maneuvers.

We really do not dare make any more enemies right now.

Taiwan with WMD. Good idea for self-destruction. Welcome!

Yeah.. its more like a death certi than a trump card..

And whats with all this chinese debt??
How could yall get yerselves in such a muddle?