Director of Taiwan's National Security Bureau: "Probability of Full-Scale War with China Higher Than Usual"

Considering All Possibilities Including Localized Conflicts in the Pratas Islands

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The head of Taiwan's intelligence agency has stated that there is a possibility of an all-out war with China.

According to Taiwan's Liberty Times and others on the 30th, Chiu Kuo-cheng, Director of Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB), appeared before the Foreign and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan (Parliament) the previous day and said, "At this stage, the probability of an all-out war breaking out between the two sides (China and Taiwan) is higher than usual."

However, he added that the responsible departments will continue to respond to any movements from China, so no major unexpected incidents are expected to occur.

Regarding questions from opposition Kuomintang legislators about the probability of an all-out war and the possibility of localized conflicts in outer islands such as the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands) and Matsu, Director Chiu responded, "All possibilities are being kept open, but I will not comment."

He also mentioned that in response to repeated questions from legislators about whether the frequent appearance of illegal Chinese sand dredging vessels near the Matsu area, which is close to China, is a precursor to 'gray zone' conflicts, the NSB is analyzing various possibilities with these scenarios in mind.

Meanwhile, Director Chiu said in response to media questions regarding the situation between the two sides and the United States after the U.S. presidential election, "The current outcome cannot be predicted," adding, "We are only discussing how to respond to different possibilities."