Taiwan is set to increase its missile stockpile to over 1,800 units. This is how the country is preparing for a possible attack by China

This is according to Reuters.

According to the Taiwanese military, the country is seeking to increase its stockpile of weapons that can be launched from aircraft, ships and ground-based launchers. In addition to anti-ship missiles, Taiwan is seeking to expand its arsenal of shorter-range missiles and drones.

According to the agency, last month Taiwan’s parliament approved an additional $25 billion for defence spending. The country plans to purchase Harpoon missiles from the US and increase production of its own Hsiung Feng missiles. According to senior Taiwanese officials, this will enable the country to repel a potential attack by China.

“Our aim is to prevent them from landing and carrying out their mission, not to destroy every Chinese vessel,” said a Taiwanese military general.

Relations between China and Taiwan: what is known

China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has in recent years stepped up its diplomatic, military and economic pressure on the self-governing island.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated in recent years that he wants “reunification” with the island, by force if necessary. The Taiwanese government, however, has emphasised that it wants peace, but will defend itself in the event of an attack.

In November 2022, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced a comprehensive intensification of his country’s military training following a series of ‘aggressive’ exercises by the Chinese army near Taiwan’s borders.

In response, the US and other Western countries have declared their support for Taiwan and are seeking to strengthen its defence capabilities, condemning Beijing’s aggressive authoritarianism. Despite this, the US continues to adhere to the ‘One China’ policy, under which it does not establish official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Follow us on Telegram