The conflict between Taiwan and communist China is moving another step closer to violence. Taiwan is drawing a line in the sand for China. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Wednesday that a real Chinese blockade of Taiwan would be an act of war.
During a war game last week, China sent naval ships to all sides of Taiwan, effectively surrounding the island. The drill also simulated attacks on Taiwan’s ports, including assaulting targets on the island. But commercial flights and ships were still able to enter Taiwan.
A real blockade would prevent all aircraft and ships from reaching the island. Even communication with other parts of the world could be jeopardized if China were to cut the island’s undersea internet cables, leaving Taiwan without internet or phone services.
Taiwan’s defense minister says any action to blockade Taiwan will regarded as a form of war, citing United Nations resolutions.
China responded to him. A spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry said: “Taiwan is a province of China. There is no Ministry of Defense. There is no Defense minister either. This is not a diplomatic issue. Taiwan is Chinese territory.”