China has stepped up its military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including almost daily air force incursions into the island’s air defense identification zone.
However, Taiwan has not reported any incident of Chinese forces entering its contiguous zone, which is 24 nautical miles from its coast. But it has shot down a civilian drone that entered its airspace near an islet off the Chinese coast last year.
“ specifically make these comments this year, meaning they are making such preparations,” Chiu said. “Looking forward, they would use force if they really have to.” China last year staged unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan in reaction to a visit to the island by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The United States is Taiwan’s most important international arms supplier and increasing U.S. support for the democratic island has added to tension in already strained U.S.-Sino relations.
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