Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Condemns China’s Military Exercises, Warns of War Preparations

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has condemned China’s recent military exercises around the island, warning that Beijing appears to be preparing for war.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Wu said that China’s “joint precision strikes” simulation and rhetoric suggest they are “trying to get ready to launch a war against Taiwan.” He added that the Taiwanese government “looks at the Chinese military threat as something that cannot be accepted and we condemn it.”

The comments come as French President Emmanuel Macron has caused a stir by saying Europe has no interest in accelerating the conflict in Taiwan and should become a “third pole” independent of both Washington and Beijing. In an interview with French newspaper Les Echos and Politico during his three-day visit to China last week, Macron said “the worst thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and adapt to the American rhythm or a Chinese overreaction.”

When asked if Taiwan has any sense of the timing of potential Chinese military action, given US intelligence assessments that Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed his military to be prepared by 2027, Wu expressed confidence in Taiwanese preparations.

The situation in Taiwan has been escalating in recent months, with the US and China both sending warships to the region and the US increasing arms sales to Taiwan. The US has also recently sent two aircraft carriers to the region in a show of support for Taiwan.

The international community is watching the situation closely, as tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming months.