Russia’s urban warfare struggles in Ukraine ‘a key lesson for China’ in possible Taiwan conflict

Name: 100 days of war: What has happened in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion?
Uploaded: 2022-06-03T23:00:10.000Z
Duration: 6 min 6 s
Description: 100 days of war: What has happened in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion?

A mainland Chinese military magazine says the mountainous terrain and the problem of fighting in cities are among the main challenges in attacking Taiwan

The analysis also warns against repeating Russia’s mistakes, adding that the US and Nato may also try to help the island if it was under assault

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Taiwanese soldiers take part in a training exercise featuring a simulated attack from the Chinese mainland. Photo: Bloomberg

Kristin Huang

Published: 7:00am, 4 Jun 2022Updated: 7:50am, 4 Jun 2022

A key lesson mainland China has learned from the Ukraine war is how to conduct urban warfare that might one day be used in a conflict with Taiwan, a leading Chinese military magazine has said.

An analysis of Russia’s military operations published in Naval and Merchant Ships said this was a particularly important issue for China.

“Ukraine has exploited Russia’s weaknesses … and successfully forced Russia to change its strategies,” the article said. “How this success was achieved can hardly exclude factors such as Nato and the United States. And it’s not difficult to imagine that Taiwan would receive guidance, plans, intelligence, experience and training [from Nato and the US] too.”

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100 days of war: What has happened in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion?

It also said Taiwan’s mountainous landscape would make any assault far harder than in Ukraine.

“Taiwan’s major transport routes are limited in number and circle around the island; while roads are like nets in Ukraine cities, offering Russian forces multiple choices to enter a city,” the article said.

“This limits the options to perform surprise attacks, as any deliberate damage to the major roads would segment Chinese forces into smaller components.”

It said an assault would need to be an integrated option conducted by the navy and air force aided by logistic support forces.

“To be more specific, amphibious forces not only need to complete the tasks of soldier delivery, landing and support, but also guarantee Chinese forces’ manoeuvring across regions on Taiwan island, forming a comprehensive combat team,” the article said.