By Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The Ukrainian resistance to Russian troops’ invasion of Ukraine could provide a blueprint for Taiwan’s defense should China decide to invade the country, a U.S. defense official said at a Senate hearing.

The United States, like most countries, does not have formal ties with Taiwan but is its main arms supplier, and has long urged it to buy cost effective and mobile defense systems – so-called “asymmetric” weapons – to counter China’s more powerful military.

Mara Karlin Assistant Secretary of Defense, Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities stated that the current situation in Ukraine is an excellent case study to show them why Taiwan must do everything it can to develop asymmetric capabilities. She also said that Taiwan should get ready its people to be as resilient as possible should China decide to invade its sovereignty.

Washington’s “one China” policy does not recognize Taiwan’s claim to the country, and Washington is only able to acknowledge China’s assertion that it owns the island.

China is adamant that Taiwan be democratically self-governed and independent. In January, Beijing warned Washington by its ambassador in Washington that U.S. support for independence might trigger war between these superpowers.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington didn’t immediately respond to my request to comment on Karlin’s remarks to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Jessica Lewis (Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs) told Senators that the United States is still urging Taiwan to acquire asymmetric systems. This was despite them having been used to “great effect” in Ukraine.

Taiwan should prioritize short-range air defence, naval mines and coast defense as well as cruise missiles. Lewis stated that this was because the United States and Taiwan were becoming increasingly aligned on how to define an asymmetrical system.

“We are currently working with them to achieve that goal. Lewis stated, “I think that we understand this better now.”

Lewis suggested that Taiwan must also follow the example of Ukraine in reforming its reserve forces. This country, Lewis explained, has approximately 900,000 reservesists as well as volunteer territorial defense units. He said Taiwan’s population should be “ready to fight”.

Lewis stated that “Obviously, we don’t wish there to be any conflict in Taiwan.” Lewis stated that Taiwan just established “an all out defense mobilization organisation” and is currently working with the U.S. National Guard at the development stage.