This is the first explanation and evaluation of Taiwans defence forces and infrastructure. It examines not only Taiwans armed forces, but also its Ministry of National Defence, personnel issues, and civil-military relations.

This book provides crucial base-line data and evaluation of one of the major participants in an ongoing crisis across the Taiwan Strait that has the potential of involving China and the United States in armed conflict. It examines the danger of a possibly nuclear conflict between China and the United States which would seriously disrupt all of East Asia. It also shows how Taiwans defence policies and actions do not match the threat - Taipei needs to develop and pursue realistic policies.

This is essential reading for all students of East Asian security and Sino-American relations and of international and security studies in general.