Forthcoming

Peril of the Pacific: Military Balance and Battle for Taiwan

Gaurav Sen

Peril of the Pacific—Military Balance and Battle for Taiwan examines the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, with particular emphasis on Taiwan’s perspective and defensive innovations. The author explores China’s accelerated military modernization under Xi Jinping, Taiwan’s development of the Overall Defense Concept as an asymmetric response, and the United States evolving intervention capabilities in the Western Pacific. Rather than offering simplistic predictions about potential conflict outcomes, the book illuminates the factors that would shape such a confrontation—from China’s joint campaign doctrines to Taiwan’s geographic advantages and the logistical challenges of cross-strait operations.

Drawing from diverse sources including official documents, military journals, and interviews with defence officials from all three sides, the analysis reveals that despite China’s growing military advantages, a successful invasion of Taiwan would remain one of the most complex military operations in modern history. The book argues that understanding these military dynamics is essential not to promote conflict but to enhance deterrence and create space for peaceful political solutions. Throughout, the author elevates Taiwan’s often-overlooked perspective, treating it not merely as an object of contestation between great powers but as a sovereign democratic polity with its own agency, insights, and security innovations.

Gaurav Sen is a PhD candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, where he also earned his master’s degree in international relations. His professional experience includes serving as a Research Associate at the Centre for Airpower Studies.

A respected voice in strategic studies, Sen has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences and published extensively in academic journals. His research focuses on maritime strategy, Indo-Pacific security, and Indian foreign policy—expertise that provides a unique perspective on cross-strait tensions and their implications for regional stability.

Contents

Introduction

Preface

Acknowledgements

Figures

Abbreviations

Key Terms

1. China and Taiwan: A Lingering Issue for Military Strategy and International Relations
2. An Inside out Story of China’s Military Modernisation and its Setbacks
3. Managing Allies and Military Strategy: United States in East Asia
4. China’s Long March to Taiwan: Re-Assessing Its Options in Cross Strait Conflict
5. Inside Taiwan Overall Defense Concept

Indo-Pacific is Already up Against China: A Conclusion

Index