Image Credit: Taiwan News
China’s military drills around Taiwan have created a challenging environment where distinguishing between training exercises and acts of war is becoming increasingly difficult, Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo noted on Wednesday (Sept. 18). Addressing reporters, Koo explained that Beijing’s growing military presence around the island necessitates a closer analysis of Taiwan’s defensive strategies and its ability to respond to sudden threats.
Koo emphasised the importance of differentiating between peacetime and wartime, citing China’s efforts to blur the lines between military drills and combat readiness. According to CNA, he suggested that Taiwan should carefully observe China’s military activities to simulate potential scenarios for its own defence exercises.
The Defence Minister remarked that China’s recent drills demonstrate its readiness to attack Taiwan and repel foreign forces, incorporating a combination of conventional and unconventional tactics. He referenced grey zone tactics, including joint sea and air training, as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to pressure the island.
Koo also addressed recent incidents involving Chinese speedboats entering Taiwan’s territorial waters, suggesting these incursions might be part of a cognitive warfare strategy. He pointed out that the vessels are difficult to detect by radar but reassured that Taiwan’s Army and Coast Guard are improving their joint defence capabilities to address such challenges.
China’s Joint Sword-2024A military exercise, following President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration in May, signalled Beijing’s intent to normalise large-scale drills near Taiwan. This, combined with incursions by China’s People’s Liberation Army into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), further underscores the evolving threat.
With 2,076 incursions recorded this year and ongoing maritime activities, Taiwan continues to face mounting pressure from its neighbour across the strait.