Taiwan needs to prepare for military conflict with China: Joseph Wu

In an interview with CNN, foreign minister Joseph Wu said that Taiwan needs to be fully prepared for a military conflict with Beijing. He said that China’s expansionist ambitions have reached the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. As Taiwan’s decision-makers, he said, the Tsai administration can’t take any chances and must be prepared for China to attempt a forceful unification. Wu called on the international community to help maintain regional stability and continue to support Taiwan.

CNN recently sat down with foreign minister Joseph Wu for an exclusive interview. Wu was asked about the options Taiwan has to counter Chinese aggression, and whether unification by force is likely.

Joseph Wu
Foreign minister
I think the Chinese are trying to unify Taiwan through peaceful means if possible, but they want to use force if necessary, so we need to prepare ourselves for a possible conflict. We hope it doesn’t happen. A war between Taiwan and China is in nobody’s interest.

Wu said that aside from sending its warplanes to intimidate Taiwan, the Chinese government continues to use the internet to sway Taiwanese public opinion.

Joseph Wu
Foreign minister
They use cyber warfare; they use cognitive warfare, this information campaign and the military intimidation to create a lot of anxiety among the Taiwanese people.

When the reporter asked why China would choose to increase its pressure on Taiwan at this point in time, this how Wu responded:

Joseph Wu
Foreign minister
And I think they are also trying to expand their sphere of influence over the East China Sea, over the South China Sea, or beyond the First Island Chain into the White Pacific, so this is not just Taiwan’s problem. And we certainly hope that the international community will continue to look at the peace and stability in this region with attention and continue to support Taiwan.

Wu’s outspoken defense of Taiwan has led him to be accused by Beijing of being a “diehard separatist.” Speaking to CNN, Wu said all he’s done is speak the truth, and that China cannot tolerate the truth. The foreign minister said he was honored to be targeted by the Chinese government.

[newdaynewmoney]

I love this man thu am from Africa my support to democracy like Taiwan

[mattclarke]

Mr. Wu, keep up the good work, and don't back down!! I like this man. I'm glad we are backing Taiwan and hope we don't back down to China. Protect Tawain and Hong Kong at ALL costs.

[LesliePeter]

Our media didn’t mention millions of people are moving from Hong Kong, Taiwan
or western countries to China to find jobs, especially young graduates.
They also didn’t mention Chinese mainland increased water supply to Taiwan to ease drought in Taiwan
and Taiwanese people received free vaccinations for Covid-19 in China.

"Russia invades Ukraine at the same time as China attacks Taiwan"
- Isn't that nothing more than wishful thinking?

“One of the basic lessons of foreign policy is that you don't march on Moscow,
and you do not bluff Beijing. If you do, your bluff is always, at some point, going to be caught."

[LesliePeter]

What country has set up over 200 bio-labs around the world
and conducts research on biological warfare
and bio-terrorism using genetic engineering technology?

What country was urged for thorough investigations into
the source of the COVID-19 epidemic in the US
those responsible in the US for the failure in fighting the virus
explain Fort Detrick military lab shutdown
that handles high-level disease-causing material, such as Ebola
over those 200 bio-labs around the world
how many secrets is withheld by that country?

[Lovewithnoend]

Is not about just being separatist, it is about peace! May love and truth touch the heart of the leaders! Taiwan is a wonderful place that is stable alone, China can be a great partner and a friend as people always worked well together. Countries need to realize that we have only one earth, we are in this planet all together, if they let greed rule their decision, is not gonna end good for NO ONE ! Let’s learn from the past and evolve to be better human beings, that it’s what the competition should be about! Not about who is the most powerful one but how we can do more to make our home planet a better place for EVERYONE and the environment!!

[alpinwu]

The Minister of Foreign Affairs act and work likes the Ministry of National Defense, the function has mix up, This is a tragedy in Taiwan.

[oldcat]

Taiwan's official government name is republic of China, the government's previous capital is Nanjing, in mainland China. Taiwan is a province of China. Taiwan, Hongkong, Macau and mainland are all together called China.

[soullessweeb]

Now people notice how this news is barely getting coverage. This has been going to for years and now we're finally getting this information?

[codysaunders]

The world stands behind Taiwan! Stand strong brothers and sisters, help will come when needed.

[Alakan]

I like the statement that war between Taiwan and China is in nobodies interest. I pray for infinite peace on this planet and hope people can negotiate their economic cooperation, competition without resorting to weapons.

[peteryen]

China doesn't keep its commitments example hongkong so Taiwan need to be careful.

[giovannilee]

To think that military confrontation is even an option is very brave and admirable .... but utterly insane . Is that what the citizen want ? Guess not!

[flaviodamasceno]

Meu Deus guarde a República de Taiwan 🙏🙏🙏🙏.

[LesliePeter]

Hasn’t the US recognised the "One-China policy" that Taiwan is part of China since 1949
asserting there is only one sovereign state under the name China?

According to the Taiwanese nationality law it details the conditions in which a person is a national of the Republic of China.

But whenever it comes in handy, the “China-bashing card” is pulled out of thin air from time to time.

But we’re expected to believe that the US intends to defend the "rules-based order" that Russia and China are posing a challenge to.