Taiwan’s defense continues to go strong on China threat – Wendell Minnick

Taiwans Ministry of National Defense will continue to deter China’s military treath, as both China and the US get closer on issues like the sales of F-16’s, tells Taiwan’s defense minister Andrew Yang in an interview with our defense expert Wendell Minnick for Defense News.

Q. CHINA NOW HAS UNPRECEDENTED INFLUENCE OVER THE U.S. WITH ITS ECONOMIC, DIPLOMATIC AND MILITARY MUSCLE. HOW CAN TAIWAN EXPECT THE U.S. TO CONTINUE TO DEFEND TAIWAN?

We firmly believe that Washington still plays great influence in Asia and has repeatedly made strong commitments to regional security. Taiwan is a very important factor contributing to the multilateral effort to preserve peace and stability in this region. So I do not think the United States will tip over to Beijing’s side and ignore its vested interest in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Taiwan. The U.S. has repeatedly emphasized they will continue to honor the Taiwan Relations Act and provide adequate and necessary articles to enhance our self-defense…

Q. HAS CHINA REDUCED THE MILITARY THREAT AGAINST TAIWAN, OR THE NUMBER OF MISSILES AIMED AT TAIWAN?

A. No, they have not done anything yet. There has been nothing from Beijing’s top leadership on the issue. I think Beijing considers that both sides can create a new kind of status quo based on engagement. It doesn’t mean that Beijing is reducing its military preparations over Taiwan, but they have to think twice in terms of their approach…

Q. THERE HAS BEEN TALK ABOUT BEEFING UP TAIWAN’S MILITARY PRESENCE ON TAIPING ISLAND IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.

A. We are not ruling out our options. But the current decision adopted by the National Security Council and the president is to improve and reinforce the Coast Guard’s capability on the island. So the Marines are training the Coast Guard members stationed on the island. We are also evaluating whether they can actually perform the assigned responsibilities and duties to protect the island and conduct judicial patrol over the waters.

We will never allow China to step onto the island. It is part of our territory, under our management. There is no room for compromise