The head of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Chen Ming-tong, says China’s recent military build-up in the South China Sea has spread jitters across the region.
Chen was responding on Monday to comments by Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton. In an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC), Dutton said that a conflict with China over Taiwan “should not be discounted.” He says Australia has “a high level of preparedness”, though he stressed that Australia will focus on continuing “good relations” with China.
National Security Bureau chief Chen Ming-tong also spoke about China’s formation of a naval fleet near the southern island province of Hainan. That includes a new 40,000-ton amphibious assault ship, a first for China.
Chen says that China’s newly formed fleet has created tension in the South China Sea. He says that Taiwan is closely monitoring China’s maneuvers.
Also on Monday, the defense ministry says Taiwan has “corresponding” weapons to deter China from attacking Taiping Island and Dongsha Island. Taiwan’s coast guard is tasked with security for those islands, both located in the South China Sea.