A new defense ministry report says that China aims to be able to engage in a military battle with Taiwan by 2020. China currently has the ability to overtake Taiwan’s outlying islands, the report says.
The defense ministry sent the report to the legislature on Wednesday. It describes situations that might provoke a Chinese attack. These include Taiwan declaring or making obvious moves towards independence. Other scenarios include Taiwan gaining nuclear weapons or delaying dialogue on unification, as well as foreign influence in Taiwan’s affairs.
The report says there is also a greater threat from China because it is rethinking its policy towards Taiwan. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that “when the foundation is rocky, the earth and mountains will shake”, referring to cross-strait relations. China’s presence is increasing in waters near Taiwan and Chinese spies continue to gather intelligence in Taiwan.
The report outlines how Taiwan should strengthen its military and increase its defense capabilities.