TAIPEI – Tensions with China are at their worst in 40 years, Taiwan’s defense minister has said, warning of the risk of an accidental strike between the two.
Chiu Kuo-cheng’s comments came after China sent a “record number” of military jets into Taiwan’s air defense zone for four consecutive days.
Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state. China, however, views Taiwan as a breakaway province. It has not ruled out the possible use of force to achieve unification.
While Chinese jets have not been flown all the way to the island, Chiu warned that there was a risk of a “misfire”.
Taiwan’s air defensce zone, which it monitors for threats, extends over an area that covers the Taiwan Strait and a large swathe of the Chinese mainland. They consider jets crossing an unofficial line between China and Taiwan as an incursion.
Chiu also warned China would be capable of mounting a full-scale invasion of the island by 2025. (BBC)
