Military

Taiwan Stresses Efforts To Counter Chinese Military Pressure, Infiltration

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By Fuhua Hung/Alan Lu

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Taiwan’s military is preparing for another Chinese drill, but while large-scale exercises draw the most attention, it’s Beijing’s day-to-day pressure that most occupies the attention of officials.

Title: Taiwan's Military Faces Mounting Pressure from China

 

Taiwan’s military is bracing for another possible Chinese drill. And while big exercises grab headlines, it’s the daily pressure from Beijing that consumes officials’ time. Alan Lu reports.

 

Taiwan’s defense ministry says it will continue to monitor Chinese military activity around the country. And with reports that China could start new drills as early as Saturday, officials here may be in for a busy few days.

 

REPORTER:  

China claims Taiwan and threatens to use its military, the PLA, to seize the country.

 

December is usually a peak period for PLA drills, and there’s been growing speculation over whether they’ll launch “Joint Sword C,” a follow-up to last year’s exercises.

 

On Wednesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it was paying close attention as Chinese and Russian aircraft conducted joint long-range patrols around Japan.

 

The defense ministry continues to use joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mechanisms to closely monitor all of the PLA’s movements.

 

Beyond military activities, we also take into account political, economic and social developments.

 

We use these warning indicators to carefully assess the enemy’s possible actions.

 

REPORTER:  

Recent attempts by China to infiltrate Taiwan’s military and steal secrets are adding to the pressure.

 

The defense ministry has seen a surge in espionage cases this year, most driven by money. In one recent case, 60 Taiwanese service members stationed on the frontier Matsu islands — just off China’s coast — were compromised in a scam.

 

Authorities say they’re scrambling to stamp out the problem with a fraud-prevention task force, more education and outreach, public-awareness materials, and programs to help soldiers who are facing financial trouble.

 

Through various internal control and auditing mechanisms to build a security defense line.

 

And by continuously using the national security joint-defense mechanism, working closely with national security teams to jointly counter Chinese Communist Party infiltration.

 

REPORTER:  

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te thinks a record-high 40 billion US dollar budget proposed in November will help tackle these challenges.

 

But opposition lawmakers are calling for more details on how it will be spent before giving it the greenlight.

 

With a special defense budget now under review in the legislature, officials here are working to counter ongoing intimidation from China. And with the threats continuing to escalate, it’s clear they have their work cut out for them.