Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, has issued a stark warning, stating that any attempt by China to blockade the self-governed island would be considered an act of war, with severe consequences for global trade. Koo’s remarks on Wednesday came as China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continued military exercises around Taiwan, following earlier drills simulating an island blockade.
Koo emphasized that a blockade, unlike military drills, would be a far more serious matter. According to international law, a blockade restricts the movement of ships and aircraft, and the United Nations classifies it as a form of warfare. The Taiwanese defense chief also highlighted that such an action would have widespread repercussions for the international community, particularly for trade, as around 20% of global freight passes through the Taiwan Strait.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has frequently carried out military drills, including simulated blockades of key ports. Beijing, which claims jurisdiction over the entire Taiwan Strait, has not ruled out using force to assert control over the island. However, Taiwan, along with other nations such as the United States and Japan, rejects Beijing’s claims and insists the strait is an international waterway. The U.S. Navy regularly sails through the area to maintain freedom of navigation.
Tensions have been escalating, with Taiwan reporting increased Chinese military activity since the election of President William Lai Ching-te. Recently, China conducted large-scale military drills, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B,” around Taiwan as a warning to separatist forces following Lai’s National Day address.
