Taiwan defense warns: Chinese blockade would be an act of war and would affect global trade; Tension in the Strait increases with military exercises
Tension in the Taiwan Strait increased again after China carried out military exercises simulating a blockade of the island last week. According to Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo, a real blockade would be a act of war and would have serious impacts for international trade. “A true Chinese blockade of Taiwan would have far-reaching consequences for the global community,” said Koo, at a press conference this Wednesday (23).
Over the past five years, China has stepped up its military activities around Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory, staging exercises that simulate blockades and attacks on ports. The Taiwanese government rejects these claims and strengthens its defenses to protect itself. In recent war games, called “Joint Sword-2024B”attacks on maritime and land targets were simulated, without the imposition of no-fly or navigation zones, as explained by Koo.
According to the minister, international law establishes that an effective blockade would prevent the entry of any aircraft or ship into an area, which, according to UN resolutionswould be classified as a act of war. “Exercises are very different from a real lockdown, as is the impact they would have on the international community,” Koo highlighted. He further emphasized that the impact would not be limited to Taiwan, as a fifth of global freight passes through the Taiwan Strait, a strategic route for world trade.
Taiwan prepares for lockdown, but faces challenges
In response to the threat scenario, Taiwan is outlining plans to prepare for a possible lockdown, including stockpiling food. However, Koo pointed out that the liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a particular concern, as the country currently has reserves for only eight days. Ministry of Economy official Hu Wen-chung stated that there are plans to extend this period to 14 dias until 2027. As an emergency measure, decommissioned coal plants can be reactivated to guarantee energy supply.
Military activities continue in the strait
Even after the exercises ended, Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait did not cease. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said a Chinese aircraft carrier group sailed through the strait, moving north after passing through the Pratas Islandscontrolled by Taiwan. The group was led by Liaoningthe oldest of the Chinese aircraft carriers, and was spotted on Tuesday night, being monitored by Taiwanese forces. The Pratas Islands are located in the far north of the South China Sea.
China’s Defense Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that since Taiwan is Chinese territory, “there is nothing more normal than Chinese aircraft carriers operating in their own territory and waters.”
Tensions grow over Liaoning operations
The aircraft carrier Liaoning was involved in Chinese military exercises last week, carrying out operations near Taiwan’s southeast coast and launching aircraft from its deck. In response, Taiwan closely monitored the carrier’s movements, reaffirming its defensive readiness. Recently, Japan reported that the same aircraft carrier entered the waters adjacent to the country, raising tensions in the region.
China has sailed its aircraft carriers through the Taiwan Strait repeatedly, including in December, just before elections in Taiwan. Beijing insists it has exclusive jurisdiction over the nearly 180 km wide, a crucial point for international trade. However, Taiwan and the United States dispute this claim, stating that the Taiwan Strait is a international waterway.
Allies challenge Chinese claims in the strait
The United States Navy regularly sails through the strait to assert the right to freedom of navigation, and other allied nations such as Canada, Germany and Britain have also carried out similar missions, much to Beijing’s displeasure. These actions reflect a concerted effort to contest Chinese territorial claims and ensure free trade in the region.
Taiwan warns about China’s use of coast guard
Taiwan has expressed specific concerns regarding the use of coast guard Chinese during recent military exercises, fearing that Taiwanese civilian ships could be boarded and inspected as Beijing tries to assert its legal authority in the strait. In a report to parliament, Taiwan’s coast guard stated that if such a situation occurs, its ships will respond under the principle of “neither provocation nor retreat,” using “all their strength” to prevent such acts.
With information from News Agencies*
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/10/23/taiwan-diz-que-bloqueio-chines-seria-inicio-de-um-conflito/
