Taiwan military ordered to be combat ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid Ukraine crisis
- President Tsai Ing-wen instructs armed forces to stay alert for military activity near island and asks agencies to keep financial markets and prices stable
- Mainland accuses DPP of fanning anti-Beijing sentiment by drawing parallels between the island and Ukraine
“We should continue to strengthen the combat readiness of our forces in the Taiwan Strait to ensure our safety,” she said. Tsai said the island could only react swiftly and manage contingencies by raising surveillance and being vigilant against military activity around Taiwan and in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Sporadic shelling near Luhansk power station as Russian forces enter Ukraine separatist region
There has been speculation that Beijing might seize the opportunity to attack Taiwan while the US and Europe have their attention on the Ukraine crisis.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must be taken under control, by force if necessary.
She also asked that government agencies keep the island’s financial markets stable and maintain steady prices, including those in commodities and stocks, to prevent the Ukraine crisis from affecting the island’s economy.
Tsai condemned Russia for violating the sovereignty of Ukraine and called for the two sides to resolve their disputes in a peaceful and rational manner. She said as a member of international society, Taiwan was willing to join efforts by others to help resolve the dispute peacefully.