Taiwan’s defence ministry stated that China currently lacks the capability to “fully” invade Taiwan due to equipment limitations. However, the ministry highlighted China’s ongoing development of advanced weapons and its ability to threaten the island through other means, such as inspecting foreign cargo ships.
China’s Increasing Pressure On Taiwan
China views Taiwan, a democratically governed island, as part of its territory. Over the past five years, China has significantly increased military and political pressure to assert its claims over Taiwan, which the island’s government firmly rejects. Although China has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, Taiwan’s defence ministry believes that certain geographical and logistical challenges still limit China’s ability to launch a comprehensive invasion.
In its annual threat assessment, Taiwan’s defence ministry explained that while China continues to enhance its military capabilities, including joint command operations, it is still constrained by the natural geographical environment of the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, China lacks sufficient landing equipment and logistical support necessary for a full-scale invasion.
Advancing Weapons And New Tactics
Despite these limitations, China is rapidly developing new weapons, such as the H-20 bomber and hypersonic missiles, and increasing its nuclear warhead stockpile. The ministry also noted that China is experimenting with new military tactics. For example, during recent war games around Taiwan, Chinese coast guard ships conducted interception and inspection drills off the island’s east coast for the first time. These drills are seen as a practice for cutting off Taiwan’s communication with the outside world and potentially blockading the island by boarding foreign cargo ships, a strategy China might employ short of open conflict.
The waters surrounding Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait, are busy international shipping lanes, making them a critical area of concern in any potential conflict.
Rising Tensions And Taiwan’s Response
China’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to Taiwan’s assessment. However, at a recent news briefing, Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qian warned that as long as Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party continues to pursue “Taiwan independence,” peace will remain elusive. Wu further stated, “The more they provoke, the faster they will perish.”
In response to the growing threat from China, Taiwan has proposed an increase in defence spending, with a focus on building more missiles, submarines, and other defensive weapons. President Lai Ching-te, whom China labels a “separatist,” has consistently offered to engage in talks with Beijing, but these overtures have been ignored. Lai emphasised the importance of strength in maintaining peace, stating, “Peace achieved by strength is true peace.” He assured that Taiwan would continue to enhance its self-defence capabilities and demonstrate its determination to protect the nation.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
