Taiwan Pledges to Counter Chinese Aggression After Beijing’s Military Drills
Taiwan is committing to counter Chinese aggression following recent military drills by Beijing. The situation escalated after a controversial speech by Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s Vice President. His remarks prompted a sharp response from China.
Beijing’s Reaction to Taiwan’s Speech
China’s state news agency, Xinhua, reported that Beijing labeled Lai’s speech as “filled with lies and nonsense.” The spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the hostility and malice perceived in Lai’s statements.
Military Drills and Tensions
The recent military exercises conducted by China marked the sixth significant round of drills since 2022. A pivotal factor in these heightened tensions was the visit of Nancy Pelosi, the former US House Speaker, to Taiwan, which angered Chinese officials.
Taiwan’s Defense Strategy
In response to the growing threats from China, Taiwan is actively increasing its defense budget. The government intends to enhance military capabilities, focusing on agile and smaller weaponry for more effective asymmetric warfare.
Future Defense Budget Goals
- 2026 Defense Budget: More than 3% of GDP
- 2028 Defence Budget Goal: 5% of GDP by 2030
The Taiwanese government is also under pressure from the United States to strengthen its defense initiatives. These measures signal Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty amid increased Chinese military activities.
