Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that the island’s cooperation with the United States may be closer than many imagine, as it strives to deepen military exchanges with the U.S. Pacific Command to boost defence capabilities.
U.S. Support and China’s Stance
The United States is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly denounced military exchanges between Taipei and Washington.
China has stepped up military pressure around Taiwan, including coast guard operations off its Pacific coast. Koo said a Chinese blockade of Taiwan would carry major risks for Beijing, which relies on external trade and the importance of its ports to global shipping.
“In fact, a maritime blockade would pose an even greater challenge for China,” Koo said, as it would have a severe impact at a time when the Chinese economy faces difficulties, and was likely to unleash heavy international sanctions.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
