Blockade will be 'an Act of WAR': Taiwan's stern warning amid increased Chinese military drills

China-Taiwan war: Taiwan's 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 Beijing's 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 Taiwan’s parliament, as the Chinese People’s 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 blockade?

Koo 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.

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Taiwan rejects claims of Beijing’s sovereignty

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has never been governed by the People’s Republic of China and continues to reject Beijing’s 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 Beijing’s claim, recognizing the strait as international waters. The U.S. Navy frequently sails through the Taiwan Strait to maintain freedom of navigation.

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One-fifth of world's freight passes through Taiwan strait

Koo further highlighted that one-fifth of the world’s 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, Taiwan’s 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 Taiwan’s 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 Lai’s election

Chinese military activity around Taiwan has become a near-daily occurrence over the past five years, with a noticeable escalation following the election of Taiwan’s 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 Beijing’s discontent following Lai’s National Day speech on October 10.

Beijing described the drills as a "stern warning" to forces advocating for Taiwan's independence.