TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Global Fire Power recently released its 2023 Military Strength Ranking. The ranking report ranks 145 countries according to 60 criteria, including finances, logistical capabilities, and geographical location.
The United States retook the top spot this year, followed by Russia and mainland China, ranked second and third, respectively.
As for Taiwan, the country ranked number 23, two spots before Germany in the chart, to the surprise of many military observers.
According to military writer Chao Wu-ling, however, this ranking of military power doesn't consider some intangible aspects, such as the decision-making of the command staff.
As a result, Chao believes the ranking of military power is more of a military simulation. "It is just a reference, but it is a reference value that is extremely biased toward more of the hardware."
As countries worldwide increasingly embark on arms races, Taiwan has been eagerly trying to strengthen its military power.
Still, the Global Fire Power rankings should not give Taiwan a false sense of security, as the ranking alone cannot safeguard the nation against future threats.
Taiwan's expenditure on military forces remains relatively low, and authorities must continue to reform the military to ensure national security in the future.
