China sends 52 aircrafts, including three dozen fighter jets and several bombers, into Taiwan’s air defense zone, marking the event as the largest incursion ever on Monday.
A senior member of Taiwan’s government has requested assistance from Australia, as the small, independent territory fears an invasion by China.
Taiwan had complained that China had been sending a large number of military aircraft into its airspace over the last year, with nearly 100 incursions in a three-day period.
52 PLA aircraft (J-16*34, SU-30*2 Y-8 ASW*2, KJ-500 AEW&C*2 and H-6*12) entered #Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on October 4, 2021. Please check our official website for more information: https://t.co/2mC6UszTMB pic.twitter.com/WOtdFvJx8o
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) October 4, 2021
Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has requested that Australia increase intelligence sharing and security cooperation as China escalates military provocations in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan News reported.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister warns his nation is preparing for war with China.
Wu said in an interview with ABC TV host Stan Grant that other like-minded partners, such as Australia, should help Taiwan by being closer.
The foreign minister stated that the East Asian country has no reservations about increasing its military capabilities, saying, “The defense of Taiwan is in our own hands, and we are absolutely committed to that.” However, he said that Taiwan wants to “engage in security or intelligence exchanges” with other democratic allies such as Australia, so it can better prepare for a military conflict.
“So far, our relations with Australia (are) very good and that is what we appreciate”, Wu added.
In a communique issued following the 31st Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in Washington, D.C., the United States and Australia announced that both countries will strengthen relations with Taiwan. Furthermore, according to ABC, Charge d’Affaires ad interim Michael Goldman previously stated that Australia and the United States have “discussed contingency plans in case a military conflict erupts over Taiwan.”
Wu also stated that Taiwan welcomes the formation of the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The foreign minister expressed satisfaction that Australia is becoming more involved in the Indo-Pacific region in order to maintain regional peace and stability.
Additionally, Wu stressed that though he saw AUKUS as a positive development, Taiwan does not seek to acquire nuclear subs for itself because it has a “different war strategy”.
