Taiwan’s View of the Invasion of Ukraine: A Conversation with Dr. Shen Ming-Shih

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Shen Ming-Shih joins us to discuss Taiwan’s views on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the potential lessons Taiwan may learn. Dr. Shen begins by exploring what Taiwan’s defense community has learned and the inspiration Taiwan’s people have drawn from Ukraine. He says that unity among Taiwan’s people and political parties will be a critical factor in a conflict scenario, especially given sharp disagreements over cross-Strait relations. He then discusses the ongoing debates in Taiwan over how to reform the island’s defense and build on its relationship with the U.S. Finally, Dr. Shen argues that the most important factor in a potential Taiwan conflict will be the actions of the U.S. and international community, and that the U.S. should embrace “strategic-level clarity” with tactical ambiguity to deter China from aggression.

Dr. Shen Ming-Shih is the Director of the Division of National Security Research and Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) in Taiwan. Previously, Dr. Shen was an assistant associate in the Department of Strategic Studies in the War College at the National Defense University in Taiwan. He was also an adjunct associate professor in the International Affairs and Strategic Studies Graduate School at Tamkang University. Dr. Shen served in the Republic of China Army where he retired at the rank of colonel.