The Minister of Defense of Taiwan, Wellington Koo, has declared that a potential blockade of the island by China would be considered an 'act of war.' These statements came a day after the Chinese military conducted live-fire military exercises off the coast of Taiwan, territory that Beijing claims as part of its sovereignty.
'Exercises and drills differ substantially from a blockade, which would have a significant impact on the international community,' stated the Taiwanese defense minister. According to Koo, if an actual blockade were to be imposed, which in terms of International Law involves prohibiting the entry of aircraft and ships into the area, it would constitute an act of war under United Nations resolutions.
The minister clarified that, despite the Chinese military command conducting its exercises in a defined area, no air or maritime exclusion zones have been established. 'The altitude exceeds the atmosphere, so it does not pose a threat,' he detailed.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that a group of Chinese aircraft carriers sailed near the island's shores, adding to recent Chinese live-fire exercises in the Fujian province. These military actions included tests to block ports and strategic areas, mobilizing 153 aircraft, 14 warships, and twelve vessels in a single day.
Countries like the United States responded by organizing maneuvers aimed at protecting 'freedom of navigation' in the Taiwan Strait. With the deployment of the American destroyer 'USS Higgins' and the Canadian frigate 'HMCS Vancouver' in the region, the aim is to contain rising tensions in the area.
