TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Security Bureau (國安局, NSB) reported Wednesday (May 29) that the People's Liberation Army (中共解放軍, PLA) of China's military exercises around the Taiwan Strait are likely to become a new norm, posing complex threats to Taiwan.
NSB Director Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) highlighted that these exercises, initiated following President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration, aim to gradually alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
The NSB detailed that starting from May 20, the PLA conducted the "Joint Sword-2024A" exercises, encompassing the airspace and waters around Taiwan and its outlying islands, to showcase its military might.
Despite not establishing a no-fly zone and limiting the exercises to just two days, the NSB views this as China's strategy to prevent escalation and international intervention.
Furthermore, the bureau warned of China's intensified efforts to undermine Taiwan's unity through economic and diplomatic means, including imposing anti-dumping duties and initiating investigations while selectively resuming imports of certain Taiwanese agricultural and fishery products.
China's economic pressure tactics and its success in severing Taiwan's diplomatic ties with Nauru, alongside attempts to influence Palau, further squeeze Taiwan's international space, the NSB pointed out.
The bureau also noted China's invitations to Taiwanese business groups and local officials for exchanges and plans to host forums between June and August, aiming to enhance cultural and economic ties.
As the PLA enters its annual training peak season, the NSB anticipates China will integrate these exercises into its yearly plans, escalating the multifaceted threats against Taiwan.
The NSB's report underscores the evolving nature of the challenges Taiwan faces, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness against both military and non-military pressures from China.