Taiwan Shortens Air Raid Alert Zone Amid China Threats

Taipei, November 28: Taiwan has reduced its air raid alert threshold in response to escalating military provocations from China. Defence Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the revision during a session in the Legislative Yuan on Monday.

The alert range has been shortened from 70 nautical miles (129 kilometres) to 24 nautical miles (44 kilometres), leaving citizens with only three minutes to prepare for potential aerial attacks. The adjustment was quietly implemented at the end of 2022, with the updated Regulations for Air Raid Alert Implementation being classified as confidential.

Why Was the Alert Zone Reduced?

Minister Koo explained that the decision reflects growing military threats from China, including repeated incursions across the Taiwan Strait median line. “This is mainly due to enemy threats,” Koo stated, highlighting China’s increasingly aggressive military manoeuvres near Taiwan’s airspace.

China’s actions, he noted, have heightened the urgency to respond swiftly to potential threats, undermining peace and stability in the region.

Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Taiwan faces frequent incursions by Chinese military aircraft, and Beijing’s assertive actions have raised concerns about regional security. The shorter air raid alert threshold reflects the urgency of countering these threats effectively.

Koo assured that Taiwan’s military is actively monitoring Chinese activities to assess intentions and prepare necessary countermeasures. “We could not possibly allow the People’s Liberation Army to operate unopposed,” he affirmed.

A Strategy for Defence

The revised regulations underscore Taiwan’s preparedness to address increasing challenges from China. The reduction in alert range is a strategic adjustment to ensure quick responses as the risk of conflict in the Taiwan Strait continues to rise.

This policy change highlights Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty amidst mounting regional tensions.