Tensions in the region have been increasing since US politician Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. After China invaded the 12-mile zone around the island during the subsequent military maneuvers, the Taiwanese army now feels it is necessary to clarify.
Taiwan's army has threatened a "counterattack" if Chinese warplanes and warships invade its territory amid massive tensions with China. If Chinese planes and ships enter the 12-mile zone off the Taiwanese coast, Taiwan has a "right to self-defense" and will counterattack, Lieutenant General Lin Wen-huang told reporters.
Tensions in the region had increased massively after a visit to Taiwan by US top politician Nancy Pelosi in early August. After the visit, China's army held its largest military maneuvers to date in the waters around the island and also fired missiles. Taiwan condemned the maneuvers and missile tests in preparation for a Chinese invasion.
Asked how Taiwan would react if Chinese warplanes and warships invaded its airspace and territorial waters, the lieutenant general said the closer the invading planes and ships got to Taiwan, "the stronger our countermeasures will be." To fend off the Chinese troops, Taiwan will use its naval and air forces and fire from the coast.
On Sunday, two US guided missile cruisers crossed the straits between China and Taiwan, which Beijing saw as a provocation. The US Navy's 7th Fleet said on Twitter that the operation "demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." China is again calling on the United States not to further undermine the one-China principle. Washington must also respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.
Since the split between China and Taiwan in 1949, Beijing has viewed the island as a breakaway territory that it wants to reunite with the mainland - if necessary, using military force. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has raised fears that Beijing could use a similar approach in its dealings with Taiwan.
