The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday last week used drones to intrude into the airspace surrounding the Matsu Nangan Airport (馬祖南竿機場). The incursion led to the delay of two Taiwanese domestic flights.
These incidents shine a spotlight on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) escalation of military provocations against Taiwan and pose a serious threat to regional security.
The commanders in charge of Matsu’s defense notified the relevant military leadership of the situation, demonstrating the military’s quick response capabilities, which help raise the public’s confidence in the military. These incidents also prompt us to move forward with improving airspace monitoring systems.
Taiwan must be vigilant against the CCP’s daily increasing military activity and bolster its defense capabilities to respond to potential threats.
These incidents are also drawing heightened concern from the international community regarding Taiwan’s security situation, with the US and its allies condemning the CCP’s provocations and expressing continued support for Taiwan’s defense and sovereign rights to territorial integrity.
The international community urged the CCP to halt its unilateral provocations. Such international support not only helps increase Taiwan’s defense capabilities, but also highlights the importance the international community places on regional peace and stability.
Taiwan should bolster its defenses against drones and incursions. In addition to improving technological defense capabilities, the nation should continue to garner international support through diplomatic means to guarantee the international community’s aid and support in the face of the CCP’s provocations.
The government should also promote national defense education and raise civil defense awareness to get the public to engage more fully in national security activities.
Taiwan would at the same time be expected to uphold its national security and advance regional peace and stability through integrated technology, diplomacy, and education and training.
Chen Chun is an international affairs researcher and commentator.
Translated by Tim Smith
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