Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo said that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan would be considered an act of war with repercussions for global trade, according to the media reports. Notably, during its ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ military exercises, China practiced blockading key ports and targeting maritime and ground locations.
Koo elucidated that while the drills outlined specific exercise areas, there were no designated no-fly or no-sail zones established. He said, ‘If a blockade is implemented, as defined by international law, or no-sail zones established. He stated, ‘If a blockade is implemented, as defined by international law or no-sail zones established. He said, ‘If a blockade is implemented, as defined by international law, it would involve preventing all aircraft and ships from entering the area and under United Nations resolutions, this is considered a form of war’.
He emphasized the distinction between military exercises and an actual blockade, particularly regarding their implications for the international community. The report further stated that Koo highlighted that a Chinese blockade would affect the global economy, noting that one-fifth of the world’s freight transits through the Taiwan Strait, amounting to approximately NT$78.57 trillion. He added, ‘The international community cannot simply stand by and observe’.
On the same day, the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee discussed potential Chinese blockade strategies, including grey zone tactics and the python strategy.
Taiwan’s agriculture ministry presented a wartime food plan to the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday to prepare for a possible blockade, indicating that it has secured rice stockpiles for over three months and organized food supplies nationwide to mitigate risks of attacks.
Koo also mentioned that the Taiwanese government is exploring measures to ensure the safe supply of industry, infrastructure, energy independence, essential resources for daily life, food security and medical supplies. He noted that Taiwan faces daily cyber attacks, underscoring the need to strengthen information security defences.
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