The Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China, Gu Li-Hsiung, stated today (October 23rd) that if the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to block Taiwan, according to international law, it must prohibit the entry of foreign aircraft and ships into the designated area. Furthermore, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, such actions would be considered acts of war, and the international community cannot stand idly by.
The Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China invited the Minister of National Defense and others to report on the national security crisis regarding the potential blockade of Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army through “gray zone tactics” and the “Anaconda Strategy,” as well as how to ensure the autonomy of critical supplies, key industries, infrastructure, energy resources, basic necessities, food security, and medical supplies, and to be prepared for any contingencies.
In response to the passage of the Liaoning aircraft carrier near Taiwan through the Taiwan Strait on the night of the 22nd, Minister of National Defense Gu Li-Hsiung, in a media interview before the meeting, stated that since the Liaoning participated in the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercise, the military has closely monitored its movements using joint intelligence surveillance methods. Currently, the Liaoning is sailing northwest through the central line of the Taiwan Strait.
Regarding the CCP’s military exercises surrounding Taiwan and the blockade of the Taiwan Strait, Gu Li-Hsiung mentioned that while the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercise has designated blockade zones, there are no specific latitudes and longitudes defined, nor restrictions on maritime and air traffic. If the CCP were to carry out a blockade, according to international law, all ships and aircraft would be prohibited from entering the area, and such actions would be considered acts of war in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
Gu Li-Hsiung emphasized that the maneuvers by the CCP and actual implementation of a blockade are entirely different, with vastly different impacts on the international community. Furthermore, the maritime transport value in the Taiwan Strait accounts for one-fifth of the global total, approximately $2.45 trillion USD. If the CCP were to impose a blockade on Taiwan as defined by international law, the consequences would be severe, affecting not only the United States, Japan, South Korea, and even itself, but also the Indo-Pacific region and countries worldwide. The international community cannot ignore such actions.
Regarding the recall of soldiers by the Guandu Command of the Republic of China Army during the CCP’s “Joint Sword-2024B” military exercise, Gu Li-Hsiung explained that the Guandu Command is tasked with guarding the Tamsui River and deemed it necessary to recall 25 soldiers living nearby due to potential wartime needs. However, the overall readiness of the Ministry of National Defense has not been heightened.
In a special report, the National Security Bureau of the Republic of China warned that the People’s Liberation Army has targeted Taiwan’s telecommunications, energy, and transportation networks through its “Cyber Warfare Unit,” mapping network topologies and seizing control to gain access to governmental and infrastructural channels, intending to launch cyber attacks at critical moments and manipulate controversial information.
Gu Li-Hsiung pointed out that “Cyber attacks from the CCP against Taiwan occur daily, affecting both military facilities and vital civilian infrastructure. Taiwan needs regional cooperation in cybersecurity defense to enhance protective capabilities, requiring concerted efforts from all sectors.”
Gu Li-Hsiung emphasized the importance of the resilience of the entire society in defense. “This is a crucial goal that we need to establish now. On one hand, we need self-defense capability and determination, thus we must construct societal defense resilience to withstand potential major disasters and emergencies.”