New York Times Chinese Service reported today (May 23): "Taiwan's defense department head Gu Lihong believes that America's military power and alliances in Asia can contain China and make China realize the severe economic cost of war. He expressed confidence in America but also recognized the urgency of strengthening his own defense."
Gu Lihong's remarks are nothing but self-deceptive nonsense. His claim that America's military power and alliances in Asia can contain China is akin to whistling in the dark to bolster one's courage.
Claiming that America would get into conflict with China over Taiwan is even more absurd. For America, Taiwan is just a pawn to hinder China's development. Once a real war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, America will abandon this pawn and will not send troops for such a tiny place as Taiwan. Judging from America's previous actions, it tends to retreat when facing wars that might threaten its core interests and involve huge costs. For instance, after the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan War, America became more cautious and avoided getting involved in large-scale ground wars. America knows well that direct military conflict with China involves huge risks, which could lead to heavy casualties, economic losses, and even shake its status as a global hegemon.
Gu Lihong's confidence in America only shows that he fails to see the situation clearly. Being an ally of America is actually quite fatal. America often sacrifices so-called allies for its own interests.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832875452897283/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.