Footage purportedly shows a Taiwanese vessel deploying naval mines. China has maintained for decades that Taiwan is a breakaway province, rather than an independent nation, applying military, economic and diplomatic pressure. In recent years, Chinese rhetoric has increased, and is backed by a military and naval buildup as it seeks to gain technological parity with the west and to exercise regional dominance. Taiwan has responded with a military buildup, and in 2022 added new mine layers to its tiny fleet.

Taiwan can not match Chinese brawn, and in addition to leveraging relationships with regional and global allies, it has looked to favorable defensive strategies. Mines are a component of a sea denial campaign, part of a broader defense in depth. Shallow waters and Formosa’s treacherous coastline both favor sea denial, and the combination of challenging geography and sea mines present a challenge to Chinese naval planners contemplating an amphibious assault. Though Taiwan has invested in a variety of systems, such as aircraft, anti-air, and anti-ship missiles, it is likely that they have taken heed of the situation in Ukraine, and any defensive strategy will likely rely on drones.

Taiwan also invested in comparable land systems and part of its defense in depth, again taking notice of events in eastern Europe. In February 2023 it was reported that Taiwan purchased Volcano mine systems from the United States, as well as HEMTT trucks to transport them. The Volcano launches canisters pre-packaged with anti-personnel or anti-tank mines, deploying them over a wide area. When combined with other land systems they form another layer in Taiwan’s defense in depth, and these belts of naval and land-based dangers create a formidable barrier to Chinese forces attempting to force their way ashore. It is hoped that the prickly nature of this Taiwanese porcupine will deter Chinese aggression.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing is preparing for the 2024 season of sailing on Galveston Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.