(MENAFN) During a Q&A session in parliament on Monday, Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng cautioned that Taiwan needs to be vigilant and prepared for possible military actions by the Chinese military in areas near the island in 2023. Chiu warned that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may use a "certain pretext" to suddenly enter a zone adjacent to Taiwan and approach what it considers to be its territorial waters. He claimed that China is already making preparations for this and would not hesitate to use force if necessary.
Chiu revealed that on an almost-daily basis, an average of ten Chinese military aircraft and vessels are detected in areas close to Taiwan, with some even crossing the unofficial buffer between Beijing and Taipei, the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has made preparations to "fire the first shot" if PLA entities, such as drones or balloons, enter its territorial space.
These remarks come amid increasing tensions between China and Taiwan. Taiwan, which has its own democratically elected government and military, is viewed by China as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland. China has been ramping up military activities near Taiwan, including conducting military exercises and sending fighter jets and bombers close to the island.
When asked to comment on Chiu's remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reportedly dismissed them, stating that Taiwan is "part of China and has no defense minister." This statement highlights China's unwavering stance on Taiwan's status as an integral part of its territory, a claim that Taiwan rejects. The situation between the two sides remains tense, and any military action by China in areas close to Taiwan could have severe consequences for regional stability.
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