Securing Taiwan

Assessing Defense Priorities and Challenges

NBR held a public discussion with Admiral Philip S. Davidson (ret.) on March 23, 2023, on Taiwan’s defense needs and capabilities.

AGENDA

WELCOME REMARKS

Roy Kamphausen, President, The National Bureau of Asian Research

FIRESIDE CHAT

Admiral Philip S. Davidson (ret.), Former Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Navy

Alison Szalwinski, Vice President of Research, The National Bureau of Asian Research

PANEL DISCUSSION AND Q&A

Moderator

Rachel Bernstein, Senior Project Manager, The National Bureau of Asian Research

Panelists

Kitsch Liao, Assistant Director, Atlantic Council

Tiffany Ma, BowerGroupAsia

James Schoff, Senior Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA

Roy Kamphausen

NBR president Roy Kamhausen delivers welcome remarks.

Alison Szalwinski and Admiral Philip Davidson

Alison Szalwinski moderates a fireside discussion with Admiral Philip Davidson

Admiral Philip Davidson

Admiral Davidson takes questions from the audience.

Left to right: Rachel Bernstein moderates a panel with Tiffiany Ma, Kitsch Liao, and James Schoff.

Background on the topic

As China increasingly ramps up assertive behavior in the Taiwan Strait, and the implications from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to reverberate around the globe, the conversations surrounding Taiwan’s defense strategy are becoming more critical than ever. Taiwan increased defense spending last year, while also initiating reforms aimed at revamping military conscription and training. Alongside these developments, U.S. bipartisan support for Taiwan’s defense has grown. This event examined Taiwan’s defense needs and explored a range of strategic options to strengthen deterrence and prepare for potential contingencies in the Taiwan Strait.