National Security Bureau head Chen Ming-tong says that the heightened risk of conflict between China and other countries puts pressure on Taiwan’s national security.
Chen was reporting to lawmakers Thursday about the national security implications of ties between Taiwan, China, and the United States, as well as developments in the waters surrounding Taiwan.
Chen said escalating tensions between China and the United States have added uncertainties to the region and the world. Chen also said that with the Chinese Communist Party set to hold its 20th party congress next year, Chinese President Xi Jinping is bound to demonstrate his ability to deal with sovereignty-related issues. China’s refusal to bow to global pressure on how it deals with Hong Kong and Xinjiang could heighten the risk of conflict.
Chen also said that China’s incursions into Taiwan’s airspace that aim to weaken Taiwan’s defense resources pose a threat to regional security, as do China’s expansionism in the South China Sea and its maritime disputes with Japan.