Taiwan: China Preparing for Invasion

By Staff, Agencies

Taipei’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu claimed on Tuesday that China is using its large-scale militarily exercises around Taiwan to prepare for an invasion of the self-governed island.

“China has used the drills and its military playbook to prepare for the invasion of Taiwan,” Wu said during a press conference.

Beijing is engaging in “large-scale military exercises and missile launches, as well as cyber-attacks, a disinformation campaign and economic coercion in order to weaken public morale in Taiwan,” the diplomat insisted.

China launched war games including live-fire drills in six maritime areas around Taiwan last week in response to US House Speaker Nanacy Pelosi’s visit to the island.

According to the minister, the drills were still being conducted in the Taiwan Strait on Monday, despite Beijing earlier saying that they would conclude over the weekend.

“China's real intention is to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and entire region,” he claimed.

Wu labeled the exercises a “gross violation of Taiwan’s rights” and an attempt by Beijing to take control of the waters around Taiwan and the wider Asia-Pacific.

The minister was speaking after Taipei staged its own live-fire drills, simulating defense against an attack on the island.

The Chinese Defense Ministry said on Monday that the military was continuing its exercises in the waters and airspace around the island of Taiwan, mainly focusing on anti-submarine and air-to-sea assault operations.