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| Chinese Navy Type 052D Destroyer |
By Kevin Wang
A recently released defense report warns of the rapid development of the PLA.
China’s military expansion is still the biggest headache for Taiwan’s national security, says a new defense report issued Tuesday by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense.
The 204-page defense report [PDF], among other things, provides the domestic audience in Taiwan with a snapshot of current security threats. The report, the 13th of its kind, is a good reflection of Taiwan’s national defense focus and concerns. It is often monitored closely by Asian security experts because of its analysis of the latest trends and direction of Chinese military and defense, which is little presented in defense white papers published by China’s own defense ministry. The previous version was issued in 2013.
“Due to the increasing uncertainty of the global security environment, the environment Asia Pacific and Taiwan are facing is also becoming more and more complicated and severe, among which China’s military threat is the top challenge,” the latest report says.
The report spent a generous portion voicing concerns over the rapid advancement of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), increasing Chinese defense spending, “more than 1,000” short-to-mid-range ballistic and cruise missiles placed across the Taiwan Strait, “continuing targeted military exercises,” as well as Beijing’s persistent stance regarding the use of force on Taiwan.
The report added that “the strategic competition in the Asia Pacific between the United States and China, as well as escalating maritime territorial disputes over islands in East and South China Seas, also bring challenges to Taiwan’s national security.” Just this week, the People’s Liberation Army Navy followed and warned a U.S. Navy destroyer that sailed within 12 miles of a Chinese-made artificial island in the South China Sea. Beijing saw the U.S. Navy’s move as provocative and trouble-seeking while the Pentagon insisted its forces are free to operate in open international waters and will continue to do so.
It also came just months before Taiwan’s general elections, where perceived Chinese threats are certain to be a top concern for voters.
Read the full story at The Diplomat