This isn't a Iwo / Okinawa vs Taiwan scenario, so I'm not sure why you are comparing these 2 scenarios; if you really wanted to compare the number of troops that had to be dealt with, it'd be a fairer comparison to compare the number of troops in Taiwan and Philippines (100,000+ vs 300,000+)...
It's precisely the proximity of Taiwan to Japan that would have provided better support for the planned invasion of Japan, the same bases would have also provided expanded support for the nationalists in mainland China, and be a major blow against the Japanese position in China where most of the...
where in my post did I say the Philippines had no importance? You're jumping to conclusions and putting words in my mouth, I simply pointed out that unlike some people here have suggested, Taiwan was the other considered major point of invasion before moving onto Japan; obviously both plans had...
it's actually an interesting point you bring up regarding the strategic importance of the Philippines vs Taiwan during WW2
Admirals King and Nimitz argued for an invasion for Taiwan (consisting of mainly Navy and Marines) while General MacArthur pushed for the invasion of the Philippines...