Tonight we begin a series of reports from Taiwan. The leader of the self-governing democracy of more than 23 million people

argues the island is already sovereign and independent. But Beijing calls it a renegade province and vows to one day unite it with the mainland, either peacefully or by force.

Nick Schifrin recently traveled to Taiwan and joins us now.

So Nick, what did you find?

Jeff, Taiwan has long been the most tense flashpoint between Washington and Beijing.

By law, the U.S. is required to help Taiwan defend its democracy,

which also produces the vast majority of the world's most advanced computer chips.

This week, China's People's Liberation Army launched new drills and sent ships that ringed around Taiwan.

The U.S. said the moves, quote, put the region's security and the world's prosperity at risk.

Tonight, we look at Taiwan's military. The steps is taking to boost the island's defenses

and the debate in Washington over whether it's doing enough. The beginning of our series,

Taiwan, risk and resistance. In Western Taiwan, the Army is training for war. The 584th Brigade Headquarters is assaulting its own base, captured by a red-hatted

enemy commanders identify as China that doesn't put up much of a fight. It's a simulation with tanks

whose parts date back 70 years and a drone that couldn't fly because it was too windy.

Privately, Taiwanese officials admit they are not ready for the Chinese army.

But under the steady eye of forefather Sun Yatsun,

Commander-Lutnant Colonel Gong Shu Wei says they're getting there.

Are Taiwanese soldiers ready to defend Taiwan?

Yes, we are always on the front lines, ready to defend the country and resist enemy attack.

For years, the U.S. urged Taiwan to focus less on big, expensive weapon systems unlikely to survive a Chinese invasion,

and instead fight like Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers used mobile weapons like the javelin to disable Russian tanks.

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