Delay and interdiction turn time against the invader

Russia's opening attack on Ukraine illustrates why the first hours and days matter: a rapid political collapse can become irreversible before outsiders organize. If China achieved a quick takeover, One China declarations could leave other governments confronting a fait accompli presented as peaceful integration. Taiwan can counter that logic by preventing a secure lodgment, contesting resupply, and forcing prolonged combat that increases international and economic pressure. Trying to defeat the landing immediately creates a different resource problem from preparing for prolonged resistance. Committing resources to a quick victory can leave less depth for a longer campaign, so playing for time involves choices about how to preserve the ability to keep fighting.