TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥), the Director-General of Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB), addressed the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee on Wednesday (May 29), stating that the recent Chinese military exercises were intended as intimidation towards Taiwan, not a declaration of war.
Tsai highlighted that the exercises demonstrated China's (中國) absolute control over the Taiwan Strait and were not halted due to President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) policy of maintaining stability in the strait.
Tsai Ming-yen revealed that China announced the military drills on May 23 at 7:45 a.m., swiftly mobilizing ships and aircraft to showcase its rapid response capabilities. For the first time, China mobilized a fleet of coast guard ships to patrol the waters around Taiwan, aiming to treat the Taiwan Strait as its internal waters. This move has become a focal point of concern for Taiwan's NSB.
The exercises questioned the United States' commitment to Taiwan's defense, the self-defense capabilities of Taiwan's military, and President Lai Ching-te's ability to manage cross-strait relations.
In response to various scenarios of aggression from China, the NSB will closely coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense (MND) to ensure optimal surveillance and preparedness.
Tsai's briefing underscores the complexity of Taiwan's security environment and the importance of vigilance and strategic planning in response to China's military posturing.
As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to evolve, Taiwan's defense and diplomatic strategies will remain crucial to maintaining stability in the region.