Can Taiwan Defend Itself Against China? The U.S. Says No

A formation of military AT-3 fighter jets perform during an airforce demonstration at Songshan airport in Taipei September 2, 2007. Credit: Reuters/Nicky Loh

Pentagon Paints Grim Picture Of Taiwan Air Defense -- Washnigton Post/AP

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Pentagon has painted a grim picture of Taiwan's air defense capabilities, saying that many of the island's 400 combat aircraft would not be available to help withstand an attack from rival China.

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report obtained Monday by The Associated Press says "far fewer of these are operationally capable," an unusually strong indictment of Taiwanese defense readiness.

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Update: Despite China, U.S. says Taiwan air force needs help -- Reuters

My Comment:This is probably one of the many reasons why the top US Marine general in the Far East said his forces need to be based on the southern island of Okinawa for strategic reasons. My gut tells me that he is probably looking at China, and he realizes that relocating to Guam would only position his forces in a strategic disadvantage.