The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
The Real Threat to Taiwan
English Summary
The primary threat to Taiwan is not a traditional military invasion, but rather a sophisticated 'gray zone' coercion utilizing economic and logistical control, such as establishing a quarantine over maritime and air links. China is leveraging this control to restrict key exports, particularly advanced semiconductor components, thereby forcing regional compliance without triggering a full-scale conflict. Consequently, the U.S. must shift its strategic focus from preparing for military war games to developing integrated economic and diplomatic plans with allies. Deterring a severe financial and political crisis requires pre-coordinated responses to cushion market shocks and manage potential partial decoupling from China.
中文摘要
威脅台灣的首要風險並非傳統的軍事入侵，而是利用經濟和後勤控制的複雜「灰色地帶」施壓。例如，實施對海空連結的封鎖。中國正利用這種控制來限制關鍵出口，特別是先進的半導體元件，從而迫使區域遵守其要求，而無需引發全面衝突。因此，美國必須將其戰略重點從準備軍事戰備演習，轉向與盟友制定整合性的經濟和外交計畫。為預防嚴重的金融和政治危機，需要提前協調的應對措施，以緩解市場衝擊並管理潛在的與中國的部分脫鉤風險。
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