Episode description

China has released a new documentary about its army’s preparations to attack Taiwan - the film includes interviews with Chinese soldiers who swear they'll give up their lives if needed in a potential invasion of the island.

Tensions have been building for some time: Recently Taiwan’s ruling administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has increased its weapons purchases from the US, while China has increased air and naval encroachments on the island. This week on the Real Story, we explore how real the risk of conflict is, why Taiwan is so important to China and the US, what Taiwan's strategy is and what an invasion might look like.

(Photo: Tourists look on as a Chinese military helicopter flies past Pingtan island, one of mainland China's closest points from Taiwan, on August 4, 2022, ahead of massive military drills off Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the self-ruled island. Credit Hector RETAMAL / AFP via Getty Images)

Shaun Ley is joined by:

Amanda Hsiao, Senior Analyst for China with the International Crisis Group's office in Taipei

David Sacks, fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DC

Rick Waters, formerly the US State Department's top policy official on China, managing director on China for Eurasia Group in Washington DC

Also featuring:

Mark Ho, a member of Taiwan's parliament for the Democratic Progressive Party

Henry Wang from the Centre for China and Globalisation in Beijing, which has links to the Chinese Communist Party.

Produced by Ellen Otzen and Usman Azad.