Taiwan president tells military graduates being battle-ready keeps the peace

via Reuters.

Peace can only be achieved if troops are battle-ready, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told new military graduates on Friday, as the United States prepared to sell $1.42 billion in new arms to the self-ruled island, a move sure to anger Beijing.

"Peace is not a matter of course...," Tsai said. "Only by actively preparing for battle can the battle be stopped. Only with our own strength can peace be maintained."

Without referring to China, Tsai said Taiwan remains under "huge military threat".

Story here. 

Interesting.  I had scratched Taiwan off the list of possible future battles.  It served as a nice backdrop to describe a Chinese assault on an island but I thought they would fall under the Chinese banner peacefully.

Seems like things have changed and this new Taiwanese president is an old skool hardliner.

How much longer will Chinese patience hold out?  When will they say enough, roll dice and send their paratroops and Marines to seize the island?

Sidenote;  Her message is an old one.  Her message is true.  Wonder why so many in the West have forgotten it?