Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi said that Taiwan is committed to advancing defense reforms to build asymmetric warfare capabilities and demonstrate self-defense capabilities.
The deputy minister also spoke of deepening cooperation with like-minded partners to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the First Island Chain during a July 15 interview with Jim Sciutto, chief national security correspondent at CNN, for the network’s news program “The Brief.”
According to Chen, the threat to Taiwan is not limited to the possibility of a military invasion: China’s persistent gray zone coercion is a daily challenge. The deputy minister described Beijing’s constant military exercises around Taiwan and the recent deployment of coast guard vessels to conduct so-called law enforcement operations in waters east of the country, calling such actions dangerous.
The significance of the Strait of Hormuz highlights the importance of international shipping pathways to global security and commerce, Chen said, warning that the consequences of a blocked in the Taiwan Strait would be unimaginable. He added that Taiwan will continue to ensure the cross-strait status quo by enhancing its capacity for self-defense and upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight.
The largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan last year showcased the support from the U.S. for Taiwan’s relevant efforts, Chen said. As China continues to rapidly expand its military power, Taiwan urgently requires corresponding defense capabilities to address increasingly severe security challenges, the deputy minister said.
The interview was held during Chen’s visit to the U.S. to attend the Aspen Security Forum July 14-17 in Colorado, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chen also exchanged views with academics, political figures and opinion leaders from around the world on issues such as regional security and supply chain resilience, and gave interviews to numerous international media outlets during the event. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
The deputy minister also spoke of deepening cooperation with like-minded partners to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the First Island Chain during a July 15 interview with Jim Sciutto, chief national security correspondent at CNN, for the network’s news program “The Brief.”
According to Chen, the threat to Taiwan is not limited to the possibility of a military invasion: China’s persistent gray zone coercion is a daily challenge. The deputy minister described Beijing’s constant military exercises around Taiwan and the recent deployment of coast guard vessels to conduct so-called law enforcement operations in waters east of the country, calling such actions dangerous.
The significance of the Strait of Hormuz highlights the importance of international shipping pathways to global security and commerce, Chen said, warning that the consequences of a blocked in the Taiwan Strait would be unimaginable. He added that Taiwan will continue to ensure the cross-strait status quo by enhancing its capacity for self-defense and upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight.
The largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan last year showcased the support from the U.S. for Taiwan’s relevant efforts, Chen said. As China continues to rapidly expand its military power, Taiwan urgently requires corresponding defense capabilities to address increasingly severe security challenges, the deputy minister said.
The interview was held during Chen’s visit to the U.S. to attend the Aspen Security Forum July 14-17 in Colorado, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chen also exchanged views with academics, political figures and opinion leaders from around the world on issues such as regional security and supply chain resilience, and gave interviews to numerous international media outlets during the event. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News