Taiwan will continue upgrading its armed forces by procuring such weapons as F-16 C/D jets to counter the growing mainland Chinese military threat, according to ROC Ministry of National Defense Aug. 25.
“The F-16s can help Taiwan maintain a robust defense in the face of challenges posed by mainland China’s enhanced naval and aerial capabilities,” an MND spokesperson said.
The MND remarks came in response to an annual U.S. Department of Defense report analyzing military and security developments involving mainland China.
Released Aug. 24 by the Pentagon, the report states that despite warming cross-strait ties, mainland China continued modernizing its military last year, focusing on expanding Taiwan contingency options.
The study also stated that mainland China has between 1,000 and 1,200 short-range ballistic missiles deployed in positions opposite Taiwan.
“In the current decade to 2020, Beijing is likely to steadily expand its military options for Taiwan, including those to deter, delay or deny third party intervention,” the report added.
While briefing U.S. Congress on the study, Michael Schiffer, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, said mainland China continues to build up its naval and aerial combat arsenal. This includes extending the operational range of its jet fighters, updating submarines and surface warships, as well as conducting sea trials of its first aircraft carrier.
Echoing Schiffer’s comments, former ROC Deputy Defense Minister Lin Chong-pin said “mainland China has always sought to deter U.S. intervention while seeking to take Taiwan by gradual coercion rather than force.”
“Taiwan can effectively ward off [mainland Chinese] attacks as long as it has the capability to engage in extended combat scenarios.”
Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Tsai Huang-liang said the government should continue pushing for F-16 C/Ds so as to safeguard Taiwan against escalating threats from mainland China.
But ruling Kuomintang Legislator Justin Chou said joining an arms race with Beijing should not be Taiwan’s only option. “Besides acquiring necessary weapons from the U.S., we must also bolster Taiwan’s soft power through diplomatic and cultural channels to garner support from the international community.”
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw