Q&A · 2:18:18-2:19:51

Would Taiwan strike major Chinese infrastructure?

The Three Gorges Dam would require heavy expenditure of firepower, while expectations of victory or defeat could change the willingness to attack civilian infrastructure.

Question

How plausible are Taiwanese retaliatory strikes against major targets such as the Three Gorges Dam?

Short answer

Routine strikes are unlikely because the dam is hard to destroy and other targets are better, but a desperate losing scenario could change that calculation.

Notes

The Three Gorges Dam's gravity construction makes it a demanding target, though it is not considered immune to attack. Other targets would be more suitable for the available firepower. Strikes on major civilian infrastructure are considered unlikely as routine policy, particularly if Taiwan expects to win. Leaders who believe defeat is unavoidable might instead seek to inflict as much damage as possible.