Taiwan’s Defense Ministry believes the island should be ready for a possible Chinese military offensive in 2023, as Beijing may find an excuse to invade.
We must be vigilant and ready for a sudden Chinese military intervention in areas adjacent to our airspace and seas this year.
– said the head of the Ministry of Defense of Taiwan Chiu Guocheng.
One of the reasons for the activation of PLA activities could be the exercises of the Taiwanese and American fleets near the rebel island.
China is also strengthening its forces in the region. Thus, on March 6, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense spotted a Y-8 radar reconnaissance aircraft, a BZK-005 long-range PLA drone and 4 Chinese ships off the island. In response, Taipei undertook aerial patrol and deployed air defense systems to repel a possible attack.
Earlier, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing would take the necessary decisive steps to prevent Taiwan’s independence in 2023 while advancing the process of the country’s “peaceful reunification”. At the same time, the Communist Party has not ruled out the use of military means to fight the Taiwanese “separatists”.
Since US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, China has begun sending warplanes and ships to the island more frequently.
Photos used: rawpixel.com
