Yan Teh-fa says situation in Taiwan Strait 'increasingly grim' due to Beijing's military threats

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/05/30
By: Kelvin Chen, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Minister of National Defense Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) said on Friday (May 29) that since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has never relinquished the threat of force against the island nation, the Ministry of Defense (MND) is preparing for the worst.

Beijing authorities held a forum commemorating the 15th anniversary of the ratification of the “Anti-Secession Law” on Friday morning, CNA reported.

Li Zhanshu (栗戰書), a member of the CCP Politburo standing committee and chairman of the National People's Congress standing committee, gave a speech addressing anti-independence and reiterating the “one China principle” and the so-called “1992 consensus.” He also spoke about "peaceful reunification with Taiwan” and the “one country, two systems” framework.

In response to the Beijing event, Yen said the CCP has never given up the use of military force against Taiwan, which has been its long-standing policy. The defense minister noted the CCP has already conducted eight military deterrence exercises since the beginning of this year.    [FULL  STORY]