Taiwan’s defense chief has declared that a Chinese blockade would constitute an act of war and significantly impact international trade, following Beijing’s recent military exercises aimed at encircling the island.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo made these remarks on Wednesday, as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continued operations near Taiwan, including simulated blockade drills. “If a blockade is implemented, which involves preventing all aircraft and ships from entering the area, it would be recognized as a form of war under international law,” Koo stated in a parliamentary briefing.
🇨🇳”CHINESE BLOCKADE WOULD BE ACT OF WAR”
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) October 23, 2024
Taiwan defense minister Minister Wellington Koo:
”Chinese blockade of Taiwan would be an act of war with serious consequences on global trade”#China #Taiwan pic.twitter.com/guW8PJc14k
He emphasized that military exercises differ fundamentally from a blockade, particularly regarding their implications for the global community. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has stated it could use force to assert control, regularly conducting military drills that simulate blockades and attacks on maritime and ground targets. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has never been governed by the People’s Republic of China and rejects its sovereignty claims.
Beijing also asserts control over the Taiwan Strait, a critical waterway separating the mainland from Taiwan, which Taiwan and several countries, including the United States and Japan, regard as an international waterway. The U.S. Navy frequently conducts operations in the strait to uphold freedom of navigation.
CHINA / TAIWAN — Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged troops to enhance their readiness for war during a recent visit to a People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force brigade.
— News is Dead (@newsisdead) October 19, 2024
“The military should comprehensively strengthen training and preparation for war, and ensure troops have… pic.twitter.com/zwZZv5bfRs
Koo highlighted that one-fifth of global freight passes through the strait, warning that the international community “could not sit idly by” if China attempted a blockade. Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that Chinese aircraft carriers, including the Liaoning, had passed through the strait and were closely monitored by Taiwanese forces.
In the past 24 hours, Taiwan detected 15 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels in the vicinity. Koo noted, “The Liaoning is currently transiting the Taiwan Strait, heading north along the west of the median line.”
Taiwan has observed near-daily Chinese military activities around the island for the past five years, with an increase in operations following the election of President William Lai Ching-te in April, who Beijing has labeled a “dangerous separatist.”
On October 14, China initiated large-scale military drills, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B,” involving multiple branches of the military, in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. These exercises were described by Beijing as a “stern warning” against any moves toward Taiwanese independence, following Lai’s National Day speech on October 10.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Real Republic LLC, realrepublic.com, or any of its affiliates. While our team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, The Real Republic cannot guarantee the completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site or found by following any link. The Real Republic will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The Real Republic will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
