Ep 39: The "Hornet's Nest" - Turning Taiwan Into a Hellscape

In this episode of STXY, we take a closer look at the emerging “Hornet’s Nest” strategy for Taiwan, and how it differs from the more defensive “Porcupine Strategy.” While the Porcupine Strategy focuses on making a PLA attack costly and difficult, the Hornet’s Nest approach envisions Taiwan using drones and other asymmetric weapons to maintain a protracted war of attrition even after Taiwan's conventional defenses have been overwhelmed.

But who actually benefits from turning Taiwan into a battlefield?

We look at Washington's push for Taiwan to develop a local drone industry, the role of the DPP and its political and business interests, and the broader strategy of using Taiwan to tie down and wear down the People's Liberation Army without requiring the United States to directly involve itself in a war with China over Taiwan.

We also discuss this year's Han Kuang (Hanguang) military exercises, Taiwan's preparations for urban warfare and civilian mobilization, and what all of this says about how Taipei is preparing for a potential cross-Strait conflict.

So is Taiwan really the "Israel of East Asia?" Or is Washington trying to turn Taiwan into the "Ukraine of East Asia?"

And if the people who claim to be "pro-Taiwan" are willing to risk turning the island into a battlefield, who exactly are they protecting?

Tune in to find out!

Support Strait Talk on Patreon
Become a member of Strait Talk's YouTube channel

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram