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I have previously disparaged the Chinese capabilities for amphibious landings, and I stand by my assessment for Chinese inadequacy for air assault or amphibious operations. However, the Taiwanese are the worst conscripts I have ever met, uniquely lacking capability, willingness and mass. Most conscript armies have at least mass on their side, but the Taiwanese are hollowed out root to branch. The Taiwanese seemed to be stuck in a 1980s mentality where their western wunderwaffen outclassed anything China had to a significant degree, but have been simultaneously complacent and dismissive since then. I did an assessment once and was shocked to discover the lack of investment in airbases on the eastern side of the island, with a significant percentage of inventory stationed in western bases exposed to direct SSM assault. They may have shifted assets to the Eastern bases since, but the standing assumption at the time seemed to be 'air force will contest directly and establish air superiority over the Taiwan strait'. A tragic reliance on wunderwaffen, a paraplegic domestic army and a population only supportive of the government because of hatred for West Taiwan... If China ever lands, say, 10k boots on the ground (I doubt that), Taiwan cannot resist at all.
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