As China continues to deploy a large number of maritime warships and military assets, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Josieh Joseph Wu has expressed concern that the threat of Chinese dominance over the South China Sea is increasingly threatening to deal with the challenge. There is a need for united efforts.
Wu also said he expected India to pay close attention to China’s growing moves to gain control of key ports in Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Djibouti amid its military actions in the Indian Ocean, PTI reported. told quoting his interaction with the media group. ,
He said, “India is also facing threats along its northern borders with China. It is not only the military threat coming from the north, but India may also face some challenges from the Indian Ocean.”
Joint efforts to deal with Chinese threat: Wu
Wu stressed that all countries with stakes in the South China Sea should work together to counter the Chinese threat and muscle power, and Taiwan should also offer support for the same. He also said that democratic countries should share resources with each other to meet the challenges posed by China.
He further said, “China also has a large number of marine militias with fishing boats. They number in the hundreds and they listen to the orders of the PLA (People’s Liberation Army).”
The Taiwanese minister accused China of causing bankruptcy in Sri Lanka and trying to do the same in other countries like Myanmar. He also claimed that Chinese activities in the South China Sea are causing problems for the Philippines and possibly other countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.
China-Taiwan rivalry
Relations between China and Taiwan are currently hostile as Taiwan claims sovereignty over the island nation. China has on several occasions increased military exercises around the self-ruled country, which it considers its territory under the ‘One China Policy’. In recent days, China has repeatedly warned the island nation that it would use force if it disobeyed Beijing’s orders and relied on the West for its security.
“There has been a continuing military threat against Taiwan. If you look at the situation in the South China Sea, China has been demonstrating its military power, especially in an undemocratic and unprofessional manner by using military ships or surveillance aircraft from other countries trying to stop.” Tension is rising in the South China Sea. Tension is rising significantly in the South China Sea,” he said.
Meanwhile, several experts are calling for upgrading India-Taiwan ties in terms of trade and investment following the 2020 skirmish between the soldiers of the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
(with PTI inputs)