Most Taiwanese are willing to fight a Chinese invasion, poll reveals

An asymmetrical conflict

A new poll reveals that over 67% of the Taiwanese people would be willing to fight to defend Taiwan if China attacked the island, German State news agency DW writes.

Not everyone wants to fight

This stands in a contrast to the 23% of the population that claimed they wouldn’t defend the island in case of a Chinese invasion.

Just in time for celebrations

The study, DW points out, was commissioned by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research and released just in time for Taiwan’s National Day.

Beijing Vs. Tapei

Tension between Beijing and Taipei has been growing in recent years, with Chinese President Xi Jinping assuring that recovering his country’s dominance over Taiwan was among his priorities.

Taipei doesn't remain silent

Meanwhile, Taiwan elected in early 2024 pro-independence politician Lai Ching-te as president, who already have had a few public comments that have ruffled the feathers of Beijing.

Not exactly holding their breath

The poll by Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research also shows that most Taiwanese people aren’t too concerned about a full-frontal invasion by the Chinese military for the next five years.

Not particularly concerned

“Most people do not think China's territorial ambitions will manifest themselves in the form of attacking Taiwan,” said Christina Chen, an INDSR researcher, told Reuters. 61% of the Taiwanese polled affirmed that it was unlikely that Beijing would try to invade the island.

CIA warning

The poll’s results, Reuters write, are a stark contrast to warnings coming from the CIA, which affirms that China is building up its military and could be prepared to conduct an invasion by 2027.

'Indirect help'

74% of the Taiwanese population claimed that the US government would provide “indirect help” to the island nation in case of a conflict with Beijing, but only 52% believed that the US military would get involved in such operation.

Not waiting for the marines

Likewise, the Taiwanese seemed divided when it come to trusting Taiwan’s military force, with half of them confident about their capability on defending the island and other half admitting having doubts.

China's sword of Damocles

However, ready to invade or not, DW highlights the same poll by the INDSR reveals that 64% of Taiwan’s population do believe Beijing’s “territorial ambition” represent a “serious threat”, even if Mainland China won’t act any time soon.

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