Tsai Ing-wen Orders Taiwan Military to Maintain 'Combat Readiness'... "Strengthen Vigilance"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has ordered the Taiwanese military to strengthen its 'combat readiness posture.'

According to the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong on the 23rd, President Tsai made this announcement after meeting with senior officials the previous day to seek advice on the impact of the current crisis on Taiwan.

She stated, "To ensure our safety, we must continue to strengthen the combat readiness posture of our military in the Taiwan Strait," adding that surveillance of military activities around Taiwan and in the Indo-Pacific region will be intensified to respond to emergencies.

Some speculate that as geopolitical risks between Russia and Ukraine come to the forefront and the US and Europe focus their attention there, China might attack Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as a 'separated part of one China' and seeks reunification.

President Tsai also said she would take all necessary measures to strengthen vigilance against the recent global tensions and to prevent attempts by 'external forces' to exploit the situation in Ukraine to increase public anxiety. She clearly stated the government's position to maintain market stability, including financial markets, commodity prices, and stock prices.

Furthermore, she criticized Russia for violating Ukraine's sovereignty and urged both sides to resolve the conflict in a peaceful and rational manner. She also expressed Taiwan's willingness, as a member of the international community, to participate in efforts that help peacefully resolve the conflict.

Some media outlets compare Taiwan's situation to that of Ukraine, which is confronting Russia. Last week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that if Western countries fail to keep their promise to support Ukraine's independence, it would have adverse effects worldwide, including Taiwan. At a security conference held in Munich, Johnson said, "If Ukraine is in danger, the shock will resonate worldwide," adding, "That echo will be heard in East Asia and also in Taiwan."