Taiwan’s navy to step up patrols amid tensions in South China Sea
Increased surveillance comes as mainland China becomes increasingly assertive in pressing its claims to the disputed waters
Taiwan’s navy will step up regular patrols around the South China Sea and conduct joint training with the air force in response to mainland China’s growing military power in the region, the island’s defence minister said on Thursday.
“Looking ahead at the transformation of China’s strategy and its investment in new weapons equipment, our military will practise new reforms in our training,” Feng Shih-kuan told a parliamentary session.
“The navy, during its regular South China Sea patrols, will conduct joint training with the air force in protecting fishermen and supply transports, and in humanitarian rescue drills, to expand the combat readiness of our sea and air patrols,” Feng said in presenting the ministry’s latest report.
Taiwan deploys regular supplies to Itu Aba, its sole holding in the disputed South China Sea, the energy rich waters that is also claimed by China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei.
Feng’s remarks come ahead of China’s new defence budget for this year, to be unveiled over the weekend at the annual meeting of the Chinese parliament. The figures are closely watched around the region and in Washington for clues to China’s intentions.