TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, expressed concern on Tuesday (Feb. 20) over the forced boarding and inspection of the "King Xia Cruise" by China's Coast Guard in Kinmen, a day earlier.
"If we're not worried, you should be," Chiu told reporters, addressing concerns on possible escalation of hostilities.
In response to the incident, Chiu stated it is the responsibility of the Coast Guard Administration to handle such matters. The Ministry of National Defense (MND), he emphasized, aims to avoid war and as such, would not actively intervene in these matters.
Chiu Kuo-cheng added that it was essential to handle the issue with utmost tranquility. He stated that increasing defense ministry involvement could escalate tensions, which is not desirable.
