Taiwan's top official in the U.S., Alexander Yui, has issued a warning about China's increased aggression towards the island, stating that the Taiwanese people are prepared to defend themselves if necessary. Yui referenced the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to emphasize the readiness of Taiwan's residents to confront any potential invasion by China.
The Taiwanese representative expressed hope that U.S. troops would not be needed but indicated that assistance would be welcomed if offered, likening it to receiving help when one's house is on fire. Yui attributed the escalation of tensions in the region to Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitions to realize his vision for China.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported the presence of Chinese military aircraft and naval ships near the island, with some aircraft crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait, a boundary not recognized by Beijing. Recent weeks have seen a significant uptick in Chinese military activity near Taiwan, raising concerns about a potential invasion by China in the coming years.
Xi Jinping is believed to be preparing for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027, underscoring the importance of the U.S. response depending on the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. Yui emphasized Taiwan's commitment to democracy, freedom, and peace, highlighting the nation's desire to be integrated into the global community after years of isolation due to tensions with mainland China.