In a statement on Tuesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reassured that there are no indications of significant Chinese military movements ahead of the upcoming elections next month. However, the island remains vigilant and closely monitors China’s activities, given the historical context of increased military pressure in recent years.
The presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 13 will play a pivotal role in shaping Taiwan’s relationship with Beijing. China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, has escalated military pressure in an effort to assert its claims.
In the lead-up to the elections, Taiwan has reported sightings of Chinese fighter jets, warships near its borders, and balloons crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The military attributes these incidents to likely weather monitoring activities.
While affirming the absence of major Chinese military maneuvers at present, Taiwan’s defense ministry spokesperson, Sun Li-fang, emphasized the need for continuous vigilance. “So far we haven’t seen signs they’re making big moves, but nothing today doesn’t mean there won’t be something tomorrow or the day after tomorrow,” Sun Li-fang told reporters in Taipei. “We are watching all the time,” he added.
China has openly expressed its disapproval of the presidential front-runner, Lai Ching-te, from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, labeling him a separatist and issuing warnings against any move towards Taiwan’s formal independence. Lai, in turn, has extended offers for talks with China, asserting Taiwan’s status as an independent country named the Republic of China.
The historical context of the defeated republican government fleeing to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists adds complexity to the geopolitical situation. Taiwan’s defense ministry provides daily updates on Chinese military activities near the island, including the detection of aircraft. China, in the past year and a half, has conducted two significant rounds of war games near Taiwan.
