Lt. Gen. Sun Li-fang, the military spokesman for Taiwan, has detailed the island’s concerns regarding the recent military drills conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the western Pacific. These exercises, Sun explained, are part of China’s broader strategy to limit U.S. and allied military access, thereby expanding its anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities. The goal of these operations is to restrict the movement of opposing forces in the region, potentially escalating the current tensions between the two nations.
Speaking exclusively with Fox News Digital, Sun underscored Taiwan’s preparedness for various scenarios, including the potential for a naval blockade by the PLA. He emphasized that the island’s military has detailed plans to counter such threats, highlighting the importance of international support in the event of a blockade. Sun warned that any such action could have severe repercussions on the global economy, as it could disrupt critical shipping routes in the region.
In addition to the threat of a naval blockade, Sun warned of China’s use of gray-zone operations, which involve a combination of nonmilitary and paramilitary tactics to exert pressure on Taiwan without formally declaring war. He noted that these strategies are designed to exhaust Taiwan’s resources and create uncertainty in its operational environment. Sun pointed to the frequent incursions by Chinese warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone as an example of these tactics, which are intended to wear down Taiwan’s air force and divert its focus from more critical defense priorities.
Despite these challenges, Sun expressed a firm commitment to Taiwan’s defense, stating that the island’s military is prepared to resist any attempt by China to take control. He emphasized the importance of asymmetric warfare, which allows the weaker party to strike at the stronger’s vulnerabilities and gain an advantage on the battlefield. Sun highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities, including the deployment of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence technologies, while also expanding command-and-control networks to improve resilience against potential attacks.
Furthermore, Sun stressed the importance of international collaboration, noting that Taiwan’s government is actively working to secure support from allies and partners. He pointed to the proposed 2026 defense budget, which would exceed 3% of GDP, as a clear indication of Taiwan’s commitment to its own defense. The government is also pursuing reforms to make military training more realistic and is expanding its reserve forces, with mandatory military service now extended to one year.
Taiwan’s government is emphasizing that an attack or blockade by Beijing would not only be a local confrontation but a global crisis. The island’s leaders are working to convey this message to both China and the international community, underscoring Taiwan’s determination to defend its sovereignty with all measures necessary. As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains a significant concern for the U.S. and its allies, who are closely monitoring the developments in the region.