Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned on Monday the island has to be on alert this year for a “sudden entry” by the Chinese military into areas close to its territory amid rising military tensions across the Taiwan Strait.has stepped up its military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including almost daily air force incursions into the island’s air defence identification zone.
“ specifically make these comments this year, meaning they are making such preparations,” Chiu said. “Looking forward, they would use force if they really have to.”Taiwan stages live-fire military exercises in face of China threat, ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival China last year staged unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan in reaction to a visit to the island by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Tensions and power dynamics in the region have also prompted a sharper focus from officials in Canada. Late last year, the federal government unveiled its newThe strategy aims to strengthen Canada’s security and intelligence networks, deploy additional military assets, invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and diversify trade opportunities in the region.China will boost defence spending by 7.
This year’s hike in defence spending marks the eighth consecutive single-digit increase. As in previous years, no breakdown of the spending was given, only the overall amount and the rate of increase.