Taiwan warns of “sudden entry” of Chinese military near the island

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Monday that the island must be on high alert this year for a “sudden entry” of Chinese troops into areas close to its territory amid rising cross-strait military tensions. .

China has stepped up its military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including near-daily air raids on the island’s Air Defense Identification Zone.

However, Taiwan has not reported any incidents of Chinese forces entering its contiguous zone, which is 44.4 km from its coast. But last year it shot down a civilian drone that entered its airspace near an islet off the coast of China.

Answering questions from lawmakers in parliament, Chiu said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could find excuses to enter areas close to Taiwan’s territorial airspace and sea as the island ramps up its military exchanges with states. , which irritates Beijing.

He said the PLA could make a “sudden entry” into Taiwan’s contiguous area and approach its land space, which the island defines as about 22 km from its coast.

“(I) make these comments specifically this year, which means they are making such preparations,” Chiu said. “Looking forward, they would use force if they really needed to.”

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said in a daily briefing that Beijing “will take firm steps to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Taiwan has pledged to exercise its right of self-defense and strike back if Chinese armed forces enter its territory.

Last year, China held unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan in response to a visit to the island by then-US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Chiu said China was trying to “make trouble under a certain pretext,” adding that this could include visits to the island by senior foreign government officials or Taiwan’s frequent military contacts with other countries.

Asked by a lawmaker whether the United States intends to store some of its military equipment in Taiwan, Chiu said such discussions are ongoing, but declined to provide further details.

The United States is Taiwan’s most important international arms supplier, and growing US support for the democratic island has heightened tension in US-China relations.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as its territory and has not renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control if necessary. Taiwan strongly rejects China’s claims to sovereignty and claims that only its people can decide its future.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.