Taiwan lays out the conditions for possible action against Beijing’s forces. Taipei authorities are warning Beijing that any military equipment entering its “territorial airspace” will be targeted.
Taiwan’s Determination: Protect its sovereignty
Taiwan reaffirms its determination to destroy any Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft or ship that enters a 12-nautical-mile zone around the island, Taipei’s military leadership said Tuesday.
Warnings and active response
Maj. Gen. Lin Wen-huang, planning administrator at Taipei’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), stated, “If the PLA continues to ignore our warnings and violate our airspace and seaspace, we will actively respond to protect our national security.” These words were published by Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
Escalation of tensions
Taipei’s defense official’s statement followed the MND’s report of 19 Chinese fighter jets detected near Taiwan’s airspace last week. Lin added that Taiwan regularly monitors the movements of PLA aircraft and ships as they appear to approach the Taiwanese capital.
Disputed territorial boundaries
According to authorities, at least eight planes crossed the so-called median line in the Taiwan Strait and approached the perimeter of a zonal boundary about 24 nautical miles (44.5 km) off the island’s coast. For Taiwan, its contiguous zone, an area of territorial waters considered to be under its control, extends up to 24 nautical miles (44 km) from its coastline, while its territorial space is delimited to 12 nautical miles (22 km) from it.
Clear Warning and Defense Posture
While PLA aircraft approach the contiguous area of Taiwan is rare, one of the most recent cases was recorded on 31 December. Taiwan’s military policy states that it will prevent a “preemptive strike” against Chinese military assets. However, in March, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng claimed that this stance does not apply to threats arising within its self-declared airspace.
During a government legislative session, Chiu said: “Once they are detected within the territorial space of 12 nautical miles, the military forces will open fire,” CNA reported.
Taiwan’s disputed future
Beijing regards Taiwan, which has had its own administration since 1949, as a breakaway province. The “One China” principle holds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the mainland and will eventually be reunified.
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