Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) says Taiwan and the international community will not stand idle if China were to blockade Taiwan. This follows a Wall Street Journal report stating that China’s armed forces are fully prepared to encircle Taiwan. Speaking at the Legislature on Tuesday, Koo said Taiwan has carefully analyzed and planned for all possible scenarios and will not underestimate the threat from Beijing.
According to the Wall Street Journal’s report, China could use a five-step strategy to isolate Taiwan and pressure it into submission. The report suggests that recent Chinese military exercises offer insight into how such a blockade could be carried out.
In response, Koo says Taiwan’s military closely monitors all developments and remains prepared for any potential action. He adds that while China could be capable of such a blockade, it would significantly impact the global economy. With more than 50% of global trade passing through the Indo-Pacific, Koo says any disruption would impact international stability and prosperity. However, he expressed confidence that the global community would not stand idly by in the face of such an escalation.
Regarding a recent U.S. think tank report warning of China’s continued use of both overt and covert political warfare tactics against Taiwan, Koo says that Taiwan is already taking measures to counter China’s infiltration efforts. He noted that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has introduced 17 initiatives aimed at preventing Chinese influence operations while fostering greater unity within Taiwanese society.
Koo reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to peace and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing that it is China, and not Taiwan, that is working to undermine regional stability.