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Taiwan prepares for 'total blockade' by China
Taiwan’s government has announced that it will focus its defense spending on preparing for a “total blockade” by China.
The move comes as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, with China regularly conducting military exercises near Taiwan and increasing its diplomatic pressure on the island nation. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has warned that China’s actions pose a direct threat to Taiwan’s security and democracy.
During a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-Cheng stated that the country’s military will prioritize investments in submarine and missile programs, as well as developing new technologies to counter China’s military capabilities.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taiwan says defence spending to focus on readying for 'total blockade' by China <a href="https://t.co/eIg348mrX2">https://t.co/eIg348mrX2</a> <a href="https://t.co/HtPveJgBhM">pic.twitter.com/HtPveJgBhM</a></p>— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1635209173095927815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“We are in a new era of strategic competition, and the risks of a total blockade by China are increasing. Therefore, we must be prepared for this kind of war,” said Chiu.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over China’s intentions towards Taiwan, with many experts warning that a conflict between the two countries could have disastrous consequences for the region and the world. The United States, which is Taiwan’s most important ally, has also expressed its support for the island nation and has increased its military presence in the region.
However, China has repeatedly warned against any interference in its internal affairs and has vowed to use military force to reunify Taiwan with the mainland if necessary. The Chinese government has also ramped up its efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, with a growing number of countries cutting ties with the island in favor of recognizing China’s “One China” policy.
Despite the challenges, Taiwan’s government remains determined to defend itself against any potential threat from China.
“Our determination to defend ourselves and our commitment to regional peace and stability are unwavering,” said Chiu.
