Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned of the Chinese military’s sudden entry into areas that are close to Taiwan’s territory amid escalating tensions between the two.
On Monday, Minister Chiu warned the public after China reportedly leveled up its military activities around Taiwan which includes daily air force incursions into the island’s air defense identification zone.
In a report published by the New York Post, it was revealed that “Chiu said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) might find excuses to enter areas close to Taiwan’s territorial air and sea space as the island steps up its military exchanges with the United States, to Beijing’s ire.”
“He said the PLA might make a “sudden entry” into Taiwan’s contiguous zone and get close to its territorial space, which the island defines as 12 nautical miles from its coast,” the report added.
Moreover, in the statement, Chiu also claimed that “(I) specifically made these comments this year, meaning they are making such preparations. Looking forward, they would use force if they really have to.”
Following Chiu’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded, claiming that Beijing “will take firm measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
However, according to Chiu, China was seeking “trouble under a certain pretext.”
Meanwhile, when asked whether the United States would store some of its military equipment in Taiwan, Chiu claimed that such discussions were ongoing. However, he refused to elaborate.
He also added that the PLA is sending about 10 planes or ships to areas around Taiwan a day, adding that some of which cross the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
Moreover, the Taiwan Defense Minister also explained that “since China has abandoned a tacit agreement on military movements in the Strait, Taiwan has made preparations to “fire the first shot” if Chinese entities, including drones or balloons, enter its territorial space,” New York Post added in its exclusive report.
“China claims self-governed Taiwan as its own and has not renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control, if needed. Taiwan strongly rejects China’s sovereignty claims and says only its people can decide their future,” the report continued.
