China-Taiwan war: Taiwans Defence Minister, Wellington Koo, has issued a stark warning, stating that a Chinese blockade of the island would constitute an act of war and have profound consequences for global trade. His comments come in response to Beijings continued military exercises aimed at encircling the self-governed island, following simulated war games last week.Koo made these remarks on Wednesday, addressing reporters at Taiwans parliament, as the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) persisted with military drills near the island, heightening concerns over a potential blockade.If you truly want to enforce a so-called blockade, which under international law would prohibit all aircraft and ships from entering the area, then, according to United Nations resolutions, it is considered a form of war, Koo stated.What are the differences between drills and blockadeKoo emphasized the distinction between military exercises and an outright blockade, stressing the vastly different impacts on the global community. I want to underline that drills and exercises are completely different from a blockade, and so would be the effects on international trade, he added.China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory, asserting that it reserves the right to use force to bring the island under its control. The PLA frequently conducts military drills, including simulating blockades of key ports and assaults on maritime and land targets surrounding Taiwan.⚠️ JUST IN:*TAIWAN SPOTS CHINESE CARRIER, CHINA MILITARY VIDEO SAYS PREPARED FOR BATTLE🇨🇳🇹🇼 pic.twitter.com/zz6FqdDwtg— Investing.com (@Investingcom) October 13, 2024Taiwan rejects claims of Beijings sovereignty Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has never been governed by the Peoples Republic of China and continues to reject Beijings claims of sovereignty. Despite this, Beijing asserts control over the entire Taiwan Strait, a 180-kilometer (110-mile) waterway that separates mainland China from Taiwan.Taiwan and numerous international actors, including the United States, Japan, and several European nations, refute Beijings claim, recognizing the strait as international waters. The U.S. Navy frequently sails through the Taiwan Strait to maintain freedom of navigation.BREAKING:Taiwan spots Chinese warships after Beijing says its ready for battleTaiwans defense ministry said a Chinese naval group led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning had entered waters near the Bashi Channel, which connects the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean and… pic.twitter.com/ESfR6aysGf— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 13, 2024One-fifth of worlds freight passes through Taiwan straitKoo further highlighted that one-fifth of the worlds freight passes through the Taiwan Strait, underlining the far-reaching consequences of any potential blockade. He warned that the international community could not sit by and just watch if China were to block access to this critical shipping route.On Wednesday, Taiwans defence ministry reported that Chinese aircraft carriers, led by the Liaoning carrier, had traveled north through the Taiwan Strait after passing through waters near the Pratas Islands, which are under Taiwans control. During the preceding 24 hours, the Taiwanese military detected 15 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around the island.The Liaoning is now passing through the Taiwan Strait, heading north along the west of the median line, and we are closely monitoring its movements, Koo informed.Rising tensions since President Lais electionChinese military activity around Taiwan has become a near-daily occurrence over the past five years, with a noticeable escalation following the election of Taiwans outspoken President, William Lai Ching-te, in April. Beijing has labeled Lai as a dangerous separatist, increasing its military pressure on the island.On October 14, China launched extensive military drills under the codename Joint Sword-2024B, involving all branches of its military, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. These exercises took place in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions, signaling Beijings discontent following Lais National Day speech on October 10.Beijing described the drills as a stern warning to forces advocating for Taiwans independence.
