What do you think?
Rate this book
沸騰的護城河：保衛台灣的緊迫行動
讓1百公里寬的台灣海峽，成為阻絕中國的「護城河」！
美國國家安全顧問、日本海軍中將、澳洲國防官員、丹麥首相及吳怡農等，
全球傑出軍事和政治領導者，聯手為台灣提供威懾中國進犯的緊急建言及可行良策。
透過這本《沸騰的護城河》，博明成為了台灣的保羅．里維爾（Paul Revere，美國獨立戰爭期間的報信人）。他和共同作者們為我們提供了一份清晰、內容豐富且引人入勝的清單，其中列出了最不受歡迎的場景──習近平將選擇「統一祖國」以實現他的「中國夢」。
—─夏偉 Orville Schell，《富強之路》、《晶三角》作者
閱讀這本書，並敦促各界領導者們懷著緊迫感採納其中的建議。
——麥馬斯特H.R. McMaster,，美國前國家安全顧問
《沸騰的護城河》是一本獨一無二的書，它準確地闡述了我們如何阻止中國獨裁者正在策畫的災難性戰爭。
——麥克．龐培歐Mike Pompeo，美國前國務卿、中央情報局前局長
100多公里寬的「黑水溝」，是全球海上貿易的命脈。
然而這條通道，不只乘載無數國家經濟發展的重任，
更是足以讓烏克蘭羨慕不已的戰略屏障。
當中國仍不放棄武統台灣，身處寶島的我們，
又該如何為他們所謂的「偉大鬥爭」做足準備？
讓護城河沸騰吧！
邊
美國國家安全顧問、日本海軍中將、澳洲國防官員、丹麥首相及吳怡農等，
全球傑出軍事和政治領導者，聯手為台灣提供威懾中國進犯的緊急建言及可行良策。
透過這本《沸騰的護城河》，博明成為了台灣的保羅．里維爾（Paul Revere，美國獨立戰爭期間的報信人）。他和共同作者們為我們提供了一份清晰、內容豐富且引人入勝的清單，其中列出了最不受歡迎的場景──習近平將選擇「統一祖國」以實現他的「中國夢」。
—─夏偉 Orville Schell，《富強之路》、《晶三角》作者
閱讀這本書，並敦促各界領導者們懷著緊迫感採納其中的建議。
——麥馬斯特H.R. McMaster,，美國前國家安全顧問
《沸騰的護城河》是一本獨一無二的書，它準確地闡述了我們如何阻止中國獨裁者正在策畫的災難性戰爭。
——麥克．龐培歐Mike Pompeo，美國前國務卿、中央情報局前局長
100多公里寬的「黑水溝」，是全球海上貿易的命脈。
然而這條通道，不只乘載無數國家經濟發展的重任，
更是足以讓烏克蘭羨慕不已的戰略屏障。
當中國仍不放棄武統台灣，身處寶島的我們，
又該如何為他們所謂的「偉大鬥爭」做足準備？
讓護城河沸騰吧！
邊
296 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2025
111 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 20, 2024
The Most Important Book Of 2024
This is quite possibly the most important book of the year.
I found this book by Pottinger incredibly well researched and well written.
The stakes are incredibly high, and the threats are real.
I heard Matt on the Tim Ferriss podcast a couple months ago, and knew I needed to get this book when it came out.
This is quite possibly the best book on Taiwan I have read, and I have read a bunch.
If you are interested in ANY of the following, this book should be a must-read, as it all intersects with Taiwan, because of China:
Politics, human rights, war, economics, technology, travel, fishing, ... the list goes on.
Recommended Reading
Books that are similar to this book that I recommend checking out
The Tiger Leading the Dragon: How Taiwan Propelled China's Economic Rise
U.S.-Taiwan Relations
Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse
The Struggle for Taiwan: A History of America, China, and the Island Caught Between
The Trouble with Taiwan: History, the United States and a Rising China
I highly recommend this book!
4.9/5
This is quite possibly the most important book of the year.
I found this book by Pottinger incredibly well researched and well written.
The stakes are incredibly high, and the threats are real.
I heard Matt on the Tim Ferriss podcast a couple months ago, and knew I needed to get this book when it came out.
This is quite possibly the best book on Taiwan I have read, and I have read a bunch.
If you are interested in ANY of the following, this book should be a must-read, as it all intersects with Taiwan, because of China:
Politics, human rights, war, economics, technology, travel, fishing, ... the list goes on.
Recommended Reading
Books that are similar to this book that I recommend checking out
The Tiger Leading the Dragon: How Taiwan Propelled China's Economic Rise
U.S.-Taiwan Relations
Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse
The Struggle for Taiwan: A History of America, China, and the Island Caught Between
The Trouble with Taiwan: History, the United States and a Rising China
I highly recommend this book!
4.9/5
April 2, 2025
Great book with a lot of great opinions on specific changes that Taiwan, the US, Australia, Japan, and others can do in the near future. At times does get a bit dry but overall very interesting book.
July 21, 2024
outstanding policy recommendations
This book presented timely recommendations to deter great power war with China. It is non partisan in nature and cites well researched data and sources to make its case.
This book presented timely recommendations to deter great power war with China. It is non partisan in nature and cites well researched data and sources to make its case.
August 17, 2024
In "The Boiling Moat: Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan," edited by Matthew Pottinger, readers are treated to a gripping exploration of one of the most pressing geopolitical issues of our time: Taiwan's defense against potential aggression. This volume is not just a collection of essays; it's a clarion call for action infused with urgency, insight, and a touch of dramatic flair. Pottinger, a seasoned strategist with a front-row seat to the intricacies of U.S.-China relations, assembles a powerhouse of contributors who delve into Taiwan’s strategic importance, the implications of its defense, and the broader regional dynamics at play. Each chapter reads like a carefully crafted narrative, weaving together history, military strategy, and political nuance. The authors don’t just present facts; they paint a vivid picture of Taiwan as a democratic bastion in a sea of authoritarianism. Pottinger and his contributors manage to distill complex military concepts into digestible insights without sacrificing depth. Whether you’re a policy wonk or a casual reader, you’ll find yourself gripped by the stakes involved in Taiwan’s future. Moreover, the book is rich with actionable recommendations that are as audacious as they are necessary. Pottinger emphasizes that the time for complacency is over; the moat may be boiling, but it’s not too late for the international community to rally in support of Taiwan. In sum, "The Boiling Moat" is a vital read for anyone interested in global politics, military strategy, or the future of democracy. It challenges us to consider our role in defending not just Taiwan, but the principles of freedom and self-determination worldwide. Grab your copy and prepare to be informed, engaged, and inspired!
January 10, 2025
The book focuses on the military deterrence aspect of the conflict between the West and China. Pottinger rightly states that this isn't because economic, finance and diplomacy aren't important. But that without hard power those approaches are not likely to be effective.
The various policy issues are explored from numerous angles. All backed up with numerical evidence.
The various policy issues are explored from numerous angles. All backed up with numerical evidence.
October 11, 2024
An very eye-opening book about how the U.S. should deal with China over the cross-straight issue. This is a must read for all foreign policy lawmakers and serious students of foreign affair students.
October 11, 2024
Matt Pottinger, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump, has assembled quite the collection of scholars, retired soldiers, and political officials to explore the challenge of defending Taiwan from a possible Chinese invasion. In the Acknowledgements section, Pottinger writes, "There isn't a more talented band of China-focused researchers assembled under one roof." Okay.
The book's title, "The Boiling Moat," comes from a Han Dynasty biography that calls for "[c]ities along the frontier must resolutely fortify their defenses; protected by metal ramparts and boiling moats, they become impregnable." Pottinger and his cast of writers explore how Taiwan can make itself like such a "boiling moat," to better deter and defend Chinese aggression.
His views and ideas are worth exploring because in the event of a second Trump Administration, Pottinger and probably a handful of these writers could join/rejoin government. So what do they have to say?
The book is divided into different sections that outline the challenge Taiwan faces, alongside what the US, what Taiwan, what Japan, what Australia, and what Europe can do to better assist Taiwan.
The book chapters that center on Taiwan are certainly the strongest part of the edited volume. Ivan Kanapathy, a former U.S. military attaché and former National Security Council Director for Asia, certainly brings the best policy recommendations and ideas. He urges Taiwan to focus on two specific missions: denying China an amphibious landing and maintaining communications with the outside world. Kanapathy waves off the idea of Taiwan attempting to control air and maritime superiority, rightly pointing out that islands have to be subdued by ground troops. Bombing (accept for nuclear weapons) does not historically lead to surrender. And stopping a blockade would squander too many scarce anti-ship missiles. Mike Hunzeker, an academic and veteran of the USMC makes bold recommendations for Taiwan to change its military culture, particularly its ability to quickly mobilize and to fight a protracted war. He and two co-authors suggest that Taiwan adopt the Israel model for mobilization and look to Estonia to imitate its civil defense organization structure.
The book is weakest when depending upon brand-name authors, a retired vice admiral in the Japanese navy, a retired prime minister of Denmark/retired secretary general of NATO, and even Pottinger's self-written chapters. They provided uninspiring ideas that don't actually benefit Taiwan: win Ukraine, so that Russia is weak and can't invade Japan while China invades Taiwan ?!?! look to Eastern European countries to encourage NATO involvement in Asia?? Bomb the Chinese mainland so that China will back down? I can go on, but I'll spare the reader.
I think this book project was a good faith effort to raise the prospects for protecting Taiwan and enhancing its deterrence. At times, the book deserves credit for proposing what should be spent, what capabilities matter, and what missions the militaries involved need to handle. But it spends almost no time considering 1) the capability gaps that China faces to execute an invasion, 2) the importance of continue to seek viable political solutions to protect Taiwan from getting invaded in the first place, and 3) it features only a single Taiwan-based expert.
The book's title, "The Boiling Moat," comes from a Han Dynasty biography that calls for "[c]ities along the frontier must resolutely fortify their defenses; protected by metal ramparts and boiling moats, they become impregnable." Pottinger and his cast of writers explore how Taiwan can make itself like such a "boiling moat," to better deter and defend Chinese aggression.
His views and ideas are worth exploring because in the event of a second Trump Administration, Pottinger and probably a handful of these writers could join/rejoin government. So what do they have to say?
The book is divided into different sections that outline the challenge Taiwan faces, alongside what the US, what Taiwan, what Japan, what Australia, and what Europe can do to better assist Taiwan.
The book chapters that center on Taiwan are certainly the strongest part of the edited volume. Ivan Kanapathy, a former U.S. military attaché and former National Security Council Director for Asia, certainly brings the best policy recommendations and ideas. He urges Taiwan to focus on two specific missions: denying China an amphibious landing and maintaining communications with the outside world. Kanapathy waves off the idea of Taiwan attempting to control air and maritime superiority, rightly pointing out that islands have to be subdued by ground troops. Bombing (accept for nuclear weapons) does not historically lead to surrender. And stopping a blockade would squander too many scarce anti-ship missiles. Mike Hunzeker, an academic and veteran of the USMC makes bold recommendations for Taiwan to change its military culture, particularly its ability to quickly mobilize and to fight a protracted war. He and two co-authors suggest that Taiwan adopt the Israel model for mobilization and look to Estonia to imitate its civil defense organization structure.
The book is weakest when depending upon brand-name authors, a retired vice admiral in the Japanese navy, a retired prime minister of Denmark/retired secretary general of NATO, and even Pottinger's self-written chapters. They provided uninspiring ideas that don't actually benefit Taiwan: win Ukraine, so that Russia is weak and can't invade Japan while China invades Taiwan ?!?! look to Eastern European countries to encourage NATO involvement in Asia?? Bomb the Chinese mainland so that China will back down? I can go on, but I'll spare the reader.
I think this book project was a good faith effort to raise the prospects for protecting Taiwan and enhancing its deterrence. At times, the book deserves credit for proposing what should be spent, what capabilities matter, and what missions the militaries involved need to handle. But it spends almost no time considering 1) the capability gaps that China faces to execute an invasion, 2) the importance of continue to seek viable political solutions to protect Taiwan from getting invaded in the first place, and 3) it features only a single Taiwan-based expert.
May 21, 2025
This was a well written well referenced book about what "the West" should do about an invasion of Taiwan by China... but it's written by the same inane war mongers who want Ukraine and Russia to fight to their last man. Too stupid. I proposes all prepare for an invasion that likely may never occur... China has been Buying Influence in western governments (belt and road, etc) especially buying many parts of Corporate and Government in the USA. It's obvious. So, how do you defend against this sort of adversary? By not making everything a simple Military problem... does a military threat exist? you bet... but the more likely threat will come from our representative government being Owned by the same assholes running China's PLA. Defend Taiwan? Haven't they already surrendered control of their government to China's PLA?
September 17, 2024
After hearing Matt Pottinger discuss this subject on a radio interview, I purchased the book. His verbal explanation of the Taiwan situation was not phrased as drastically as the book does, but overall he stresses the importance of free Taiwan for other democracies in the world, particularly the Western world. The Taiwanese people, who have created one of the strongest democracies in the world, have indicated by their voting patterns and other means that they do not want to become part of mainland China. Pottinger recommends several actions which can be taken internally to strengthen the island. They will need however to have some strong measures of support from the free world. This is a crucial pathway to maintain Taiwan's independence.
May 3, 2025
Boiling Moat was disappointing
Essays revealed an instinct for the capillary. Authors and editors assumed without discussion that the United States would defend Taiwan. Even in 2024, when the book was published, this was not clear. Now it is less clear than a year ago. While the military readiness of Taiwan to withstand a Chinese invasion (or blockade) is a legitimate issue, the question is whether the lack of readiness is an invitation to the Chinese to invade—not clear whether it is in China’s interest to risk the lives of its soldiers and sailors, and sacrifice the major economic role that Taiwan’s companies play in China today.
Essays revealed an instinct for the capillary. Authors and editors assumed without discussion that the United States would defend Taiwan. Even in 2024, when the book was published, this was not clear. Now it is less clear than a year ago. While the military readiness of Taiwan to withstand a Chinese invasion (or blockade) is a legitimate issue, the question is whether the lack of readiness is an invitation to the Chinese to invade—not clear whether it is in China’s interest to risk the lives of its soldiers and sailors, and sacrifice the major economic role that Taiwan’s companies play in China today.
March 17, 2025
Excellent volume by people who know what they’re talking about. I was surprised by some of the capabilities that were left out of the discussion but a very worthwhile read.
Most enjoyed the chapter written by the Australian.
Most enjoyed the chapter written by the Australian.
August 9, 2024
Cogent, clear, concise. An urgent call to action.
May 4, 2025
Published in time but shallow.
March 13, 2025
I really appreciated that the authors provided recommendations/solutions at the end of every chapter instead of just calling out problems.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews