TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said China’s increasingly assertive governance and military posture pose a growing challenge to Taiwan’s security and democracy, while also raising risks for stability across the Indo-Pacific.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Lin cited Beijing’s expanding naval activity, including the deployment of two aircraft carriers into the western Pacific in June. He said the move signaled that China’s military ambitions extend beyond Taiwan and are reshaping the regional security environment, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lin said China is “clearly become a troublemaker,” disrupting the cross-strait status quo through pressure and intimidation. He added that Taiwan does not seek to escalate tensions, but will not compromise its position.
He emphasized that stability in the Taiwan Strait carries global economic implications. Taiwan produces about 90% of the world’s advanced chips.
Roughly half of global cargo traffic also passes through the Taiwan Strait. Lin said these factors have made regional security a growing international concern.
The People’s Republic of China, founded in 1949, has never governed Taiwan. Although Taiwan has been self-governed for decades, China has recently increased pressure on the country, challenging its autonomy and democratic governance, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping consolidates authority and removes term limits, according to Fox News.
While earlier official statements referred to “peaceful unification,” Beijing now openly warns of possible military action. In 2024, Xi directed the Chinese military to complete preparations for a potential Taiwan operation by 2027.
Defense analysts say any military action would be highly risky and costly for China, Taiwan, and countries that might respond, such as the US or Japan.
Lin said Taiwan’s importance in geopolitics, technology, and global supply chains makes cross-strait stability a high priority for Washington. He added that US officials recognize Taiwan’s semiconductor industry as vital to local economic security.
On security cooperation with the US, Lin thanked Washington for expanding military support. He pointed to a NT$345 billion (US$11 billion) arms sales package approved in December.
He also cited bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. That backing includes a recently passed appropriations bill that allocates US$1.15 billion to support Taiwan’s security.
Lin said Taiwan is also increasing its own defense investment. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced last year that the government aims to raise defense spending to more than 3% of GDP this year, with a longer-term goal of reaching 5% by 2030.
While parts of the defense budget still face procedural challenges in the legislature, Lin said major political parties have publicly expressed support for deeper security cooperation with Washington and for strengthening Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities.