The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lin Chia-lung, stated for the first time in a special report to the Legislative Yuan today that the recent military exercises by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) surrounding Taiwan and various changes in the Taiwan Strait are all part of a gradual approach intended to erode Taiwan’s sovereignty. This has led to a new normal and has become a globally significant issue.
The CCP has never governed Taiwan. After seizing the mainland in 1949, Chiang Kai-shek’s army of the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan, leading to a separation across the strait that has lasted nearly 76 years. The CCP has consistently refused to renounce the use of force to take control of Taiwan, claiming Taiwan as part of its territory.
On May 20th, during his presidential inauguration speech, President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China stated that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China do not fall under each other’s jurisdiction, sparking strong reactions from the CCP.
The Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan invited Minister Lin Chia-lung to report on the department’s operations and to answer questions. Prior to the meeting, Lin Chia-lung participated in a media interview. Regarding the CCP’s military exercises surrounding Taiwan, he noted that the CCP is attempting to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and create a new norm. However, he also pointed out that “we have seen President Biden of the United States publicly mention at West Point Military Academy that he will protect the United States, its allies, and their core interests, including maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
Lin Chia-lung emphasized that the United States has clearly expressed its support for Taiwan’s contributions to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and has criticized the CCP for its constant attempts to change the status quo. Taiwan has received support from allied countries and like-minded nations, and together they can collaborate to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Almost daily, the CCP sends military aircraft and ships to provoke Taiwan. Just three days after Tsai Ing-wen took office, the CCP conducted consecutive military exercises around Taiwan on May 23 and 24. The U.S. Department of State issued a statement on May 25 condemning the CCP’s military exercises against Taiwan, warning that they could lead to “escalation” and expressing deep concerns. The United States is closely monitoring the CCP’s actions as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for global security and prosperity.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China announced today that from 6 a.m. on the 29th to 6 a.m. on the 30th, 38 incursions by CCP military aircraft were detected, with 28 instances trespassing the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the northern and southwestern airspace. Additionally, seven instances of CCP ships and four instances of coast guard vessels were spotted continuously operating in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait. The military of the Republic of China utilized surveillance aircraft, ships, and missile systems to closely monitor and respond to these activities.
Lin Chia-lung pointed out that beyond the joint military exercises, the CCP is creating a new normal, including the recent change in the M503 flight route earlier this year and the appearance of Chinese coast guard vessels on Taiwan’s east coast, all indicating a gradual encroachment with the intention of swallowing Taiwan. However, this will only trigger the first island chain, where countries like the U.S. and Japan will come together to respond collectively.
He stressed that the cross-strait issue is no longer limited to just the two sides but has become a regional and even global concern. “We will work together with like-minded countries to respond in order to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
When asked about the Foreign Ministry’s recent submission of a written report to the Legislative Yuan highlighting the CCP’s efforts to lure Taiwan’s diplomatic allies away regardless of costs, Lin Chia-lung explained that personal diplomacy is a crucial part of comprehensive diplomacy. State visits by leaders can solidify diplomatic ties and expand friendships, and the Foreign Ministry will plan accordingly, as they have done in the past. “In the future, we not only aim to strengthen diplomatic ties but also to promote prosperity among our allies.”
Lin Chia-lung mentioned that during the recent presidential inauguration celebrations, discussions were held with the delegations of various countries on how to cooperate and develop together. Taiwan can collaborate with like-minded countries such as the United States and Japan to promote the development of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and expand regional cooperation beyond bilateral relations, aiming for multilateral and regional prosperity.
He noted that Taiwan’s development experience is considered vital by its diplomatic allies who value maintaining ties with the Republic of China. They seek to learn from Taiwan’s achievements.
Currently, Taiwan has diplomatic relations with 12 countries. “We are fully committed to shoring up our relationships with these allies and must stand by their development goals and aspirations as we collaborate with them,” Lin said. He highlighted the importance of each of the 12 allied countries to Taiwan and expressed confidence in maintaining strong relationships with all of them while remaining cautious of the CCP’s aggressive tactics. He believes that the extensive exchanges with allied countries during the presidential inauguration period will further strengthen diplomatic ties and be beneficial to bilateral relations.
Regarding Taiwan’s inability to participate as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA) again this year, Lin acknowledged the ongoing suppression from the CCP toward Taiwan, particularly in the field of diplomacy. Taiwan faces significant obstacles in its international participation. However, the countries that spoke up for Taiwan at the WHA this time did so with greater numbers and determination compared to the past.
Lin Chia-lung highlighted that the CCP has attempted to distort previous resolutions in the United Nations General Assembly, particularly Resolution 2758, to align with its agenda. However, since Resolution 2758 does not touch upon Taiwan’s status, it has rallied more countries, including the United States, to speak up for Taiwan. Taiwan’s push to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) is based on universal values of borderless health and epidemic prevention.