ANALYSIS/As presidential race kicks off, China policy takes center stage

China's rapid expansion and diversification of its nuclear arsenal has raised the sobering prospect that Beijing could resort to "nuclear blackmail" or even nuclear warfare against Western nations should they intervene in a conflict over Taiwan -- much like the Kremlin's warnings during its invasion of Ukraine, according to defense experts.

President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) National Day address on Friday softened the tone toward China compared with his major speeches last year, while putting defense front and center to signal Taiwan's resolve to defend itself and to win support from democratic partners, experts told CNA.

Taiwanese military scholars on Wednesday discussed recent moves by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), including increased bomber activity in the Taiwan Strait and fewer aircraft operating east of Taiwan, saying Taiwan needs to be better prepared for precision strikes and aircraft carrier operations.