Top ranking officials in charge of foreign affairs, defense, cross-strait ties and national security spoke at the legislature on Monday about rising tensions in the region.
The foreign ministry highlighted three flashpoints in East Asia, including: the Korean Peninsula, the Taiwan Strait, and the South China Sea.
Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan told lawmakers that the rising tensions have affected Taiwan’s participation in the international community and impacted Taiwan’s rights in its economic waters.
Feng said the military will beef up its defenses and seek to work with neighboring countries to promote regional peace.
“[We will] work hard to transform the military structure, push for an all-volunteer system, and upgrade the skills of military personnel. More advanced weaponry will be introduced to help strengthen our defense capabilities, so that the military can ensure cross-strait peace, territorial integrity, and regional stability," said Feng.
National Security Bureau Deputy Director-General Chou Mei-wu also spoke to lawmakers on Monday. He said that Taiwan and China are still testing the waters following last month’s transition of power in Taiwan.
“In the face of continued Chinese pressure on Taiwan, we should uphold [the policy of] ‘negotiation, no provocation and zero surprises.’ [We] will seek to build cross-strait mutual trust and a bridge of communication to facilitate the resumption of regular cross-strait talks," said Chou.
Meanwhile, the Mainland Affairs Council, which charts ties with China, said that those ties are crucial to regional peace and stability.