Defense Ministry vows vigilance amid Chinese provocations

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Deputy Minister of National Defense Po Horng-huei said Wednesday (May 8) that Taiwan's military is closely monitoring all joint intelligence, maintaining combat readiness, and joining like-minded nations in urging the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The statement comes in response to comments made last week by former U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander John Aquilino about potential Chinese provocations against Taiwan and the Kinmen area around May 20.

In an interview with U.S. media, Aquilino was asked about the upcoming inauguration of Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te. He said U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed, with the U.S. supporting peaceful dispute resolution to ensure people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are not threatened. However, he noted that provocations in maritime, air, cyber, and information domains are increasing, targeting not only Taiwan but also Matsu and Kinmen.

Po emphasized that the military will have all joint intelligence on any further actions by the CCP around May 20, and will maintain combat readiness, closely monitoring any CCP actions that could affect regional peace and stability.

Regarding fears that the CCP might have the capability to invade Taiwan by 2027, Po said the military's mission is to ensure the security of the Republic of China's territory, airspace, and waters, maintaining 24-hour combat readiness without slackening, regardless of external analysis of the CCP's potential to invade Taiwan in 2027 or 2035.

Po stressed that the military "does not fear war, does not seek war," and hopes to play a role in regional security. He also expressed hope that all like-minded nations can maintain peace and stability in the region.

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