TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) on Wednesday (April 24) rejected fears the military would have no time to react after reports that a Chinese military jet was spotted 76 kilometers from Keelung and would need just five minutes to reach the Presidential Office Building.
Taiwan tracked the aircraft on Sunday (April 21), with retired Air Force Deputy Commander Chang Yen-ting (張延廷) saying that its location meant the military would not have had time to react should the jet have suddenly headed for Taipei City, per CNA. Strategists have long mentioned the possibility of a “decapitation strike,” with Chinese jets moving in from Taiwan’s north coast to attack the Presidential Office Building in Central Taipei.
Chiu discounted Chang’s theory, saying the military’s observation of aircraft served precisely to prevent such a scenario. In peacetime, the plane would need three to five minutes to reach the Presidential Office, the minister said.
Chiu was also asked about the presence of the Chinese research ship Xiang Yang Hong 06 close to Taiwan. The vessel was spotted moving south to north off Hualien County on Monday (April 22) evening. According to Chiu, the Navy closely monitored the movements of the ship, which he said had been seen near Taiwan several times before.
Taiwan is conducting the computer simulations for this year’s Han Kuang 40 military drills April 19-26. The duration of the computer exercises had been extended from the previous five days and four nights.
Tags: Taiwan defense minister rejects fears Chinese air attack Presidential Office Taiwan News
