Taiwan warned that it would treat any Chinese incursion into the island's airspace as a "first strike", as Taipei seeks to deter Beijing from ratcheting up military pressure around the island.
Defence Minister Chiu Kuocheng told lawmakers in Taipei that the ministry is taking such incursions more seriously after a recent spate of closer flights by Chinese warplanes and drones.
Asked whether any warplane's violation of Taiwan's airspace would be viewed as a first strike, he said "yes", without elaborating on what the response would be.
"In the past, we said we won't be the first to strike, which meant we won't do it without them firing artillery shells or missiles, et cetera, first," Mr. Chiu said on Wednesday.
"But now the definition has obviously changed, as China used means like drones. So we have adjusted and will view any crossing of aircraft or vessels as a first strike."
This story is from the October 06, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 06, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Challengers role scared Zendaya so much, she had to do the film
The actress says she was drawn to how multi-layered the characters in the sports romance are
WORLD CHAMPIONS HEADLINE NOMINEES
Singapore Sports Awards finalists reflect momentous’ 2023 for national athletes
FROM SLOW BURNER TO SHOW-STOPPER
Arteta praises tremendous’ Havertz as he punishes former club Chelsea with a brace
FENCERS ON MISSION TO QUALIFY FOR OLYMPICS
Well-prepared contingent have last chance to achieve Paris 2024 goal at UAE tournament
FI's Horner, Vasseur fine with new points plan
Formula One teams will discuss on April 25 a proposal to extend the points-scoring positions from 10th place to 12th place next season.
Doncic defeaning as Mavs even series with Clippers
Luka Doncic wanted to \"make some noise\" to let the Los Angeles Clippers know who the Dallas Mavericks really are, and he did just that on April 23.
ARTILLERY TAKES AIM AT CLASSIC
3YO Sprint second convinces Logan to press on to 1,400m leg
Support parents' right to determine digital usage for their children
The Ministry of Education's response to Mr Joel Chan Yi-Hsiung and Mr Andrew Soo is a reiteration of its long-held position and has not adequately addressed the call to give parents greater autonomy and optionality in managing their children's use of personal learning devices (Schools, parents can guide usage of digital devices by students with app, April 16).
How the secret of sleep keeps us awake
Businesses can keep exploiting our tiredness while scientists seek to explain the mechanics of it.
New flexi-work guidelines prompt firms to rethink workplace policies
Many see potential for higher productivity, though smaller firms appear less convinced
