Taiwan Military Honor Guard performs during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Palace in Taipek
Taiwan said on Tuesday that China is trying to take control of the island by undermining its military capabilities and avoiding a potential military conflict in the United States, as well as influencing public opinion.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said in a biennial report that Beijing was adopting a “grey zone” strategy to increase pressure on the self-governing island republic, which China claims as its territory.
China is increasing its threats to use force against Taiwan by conducting military drills and sending planes near the island.
During China’s National Day weekend in early October, China sent 149 military aircraft into a strike group formation southwest of Taiwan, allowing Taiwan to scramble the planes and activate its air defense missile systems.
The report reflects Beijing’s effort to scuttle Taiwan’s air force and through heavy requirements on its personnel. It said the strategy also included cyber warfare, propaganda and a campaign to isolate Taiwan internationally, to force it to accept China’s terms without engaging in a shooting war.
In 1949, China and Taiwan separated during a civil war. While the US cut off formal diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 to recognize Beijing, Washington is committed by law to ensure that the island can defend itself and treat all threats to it as matters. grave concern.
Asked recently at the CNN town hall whether the US would come to Taiwan’s defense if it were attacked, US President Joe Biden said, “Yes, we have a commitment to do that.” US officials immediately clarified that there was no change in the US stance towards Taiwan.
While Taiwan relies on the US for most of its military hardware, President Tsai Ing-wen is pushing for a revitalization of its domestic defense industry, including the production of traditionally powered submarines.
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