Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned on Monday the island has to be on alert this year for Chinese military’s “sudden entry” into areas close to its territory amid the rising military tensions across the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

China has ramped up its military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including regular air force incursions into the island’s air defence identification zone.

According to Chiu, the PLA sends about 10 planes or ships to areas near Taiwan daily. Some cross the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which has traditionally served as an unofficial buffer, he said.

Even though Taiwan has not reported any incident of Chinese forces entering its 'contiguous zone' (44.4km from its coast), it has shot down a civilian drone that entered its airspace near an islet off the Chinese coast last year. 

Responding to questions from lawmakers in parliament, the Defence Minister said the PLA might find excuses to enter areas close to Taiwan’s territorial air and sea space as the self-governing island steps up its military exchanges with the US. 

The PLA might make a “sudden entry” into Taiwan’s contiguous zone and get close to its territory, which the island defines as 22km (12 nautical miles) from its coast, he said.

“I specifically make these comments this year, meaning they are making such preparations,” Chiu said, adding “Looking forward, they would use force if they really have to.”

In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing that Beijing “will take firm measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Taiwan has clearly stated it will exercise its right to self-defence and counterattack if Chinese armed forces enter its territory.

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

Chiu said China was looking to “make trouble under a certain pretext,” which might include visits to the island made by senior foreign government officials or Taiwan’s frequent military contacts with other countries.

When asked by a lawmaker if the US was planning to store some of its military equipment in Taiwan, Chiu said such discussions were ongoing but declined to elaborate.

Notably, US is Taiwan’s most important international arms supplier, and increasing US support for the democratic island has added to the tension in the already strained US-China relations.  
 

Image courtesy: Ann Wang/Reuters