[ad_1]
TAIPEI: China’s armed forces are growing in prowess but still lack the ability to launch a full assault on Taiwan, the island’s Defense Ministry said on Monday (Aug 31).
Beijing is stepping up its military activities around what it considers sovereign territory. She has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under her control, a message reiterated by President Xi Jinping last year, although Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by Beijing.
Xi is overseeing an impressive military modernization program, adding stealth fighters, aircraft carriers and other equipment, and the Chinese air force and navy have conducted regular exercises or missions near Taiwan.
READ: China’s military budget growth slows to 6.6%
In its annual report on China’s military prowess delivered to parliament, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense laid out scenarios for Chinese actions, including blockades and seizure of coastal islands.
He said that China’s military continues to dedicate itself to strengthening live fire drills, building its force for new types of battle, and developing emerging weapons and technology.
“But in the tactics and strategy operation towards Taiwan, it is still restricted by the natural geographic environment of the Taiwan Strait, and its landing equipment and logistical capacity are insufficient,” he added.
“It does not yet have the formal combat capability to fully assault Taiwan.”
READ: Amid elevated tensions, Taiwan tells China not to underestimate its determination
President Tsai Ing-wen has made strengthening Taiwan’s own defenses a priority, strengthening its national defense industry and buying more equipment from the United States, the island’s largest arms supplier and international sponsor.
LEE: Taiwan will increase defense spending while China details combat drills
Tsai says he wants peace with China and will not provoke conflict, but last week he expressed concern about the outbreak of accidental hostilities due to rising regional tensions.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it continued to pay close attention to Chinese threats, both real and verbal, and while it did not seek war, it did not fear it either.
