Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Details China’s ‘Composite Threats’ and Island’s Robust Defense Strategy in Libération News

Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Outlines Beijing’s Multifaceted Threats, Details Island’s Defense Enhancements in French Media Interview

Taipei, Taiwan – August 22, 2025 – Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, François Chih-chung Wu, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating and multifaceted nature of threats posed by China, while underscoring the island nation’s unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and its democratic way of life. In a recent online interview with Arnaud Vaulerin for the French daily Libération, Wu detailed Beijing’s sophisticated strategy of “composite threats” and articulated Taiwan’s comprehensive approach to national security and international cooperation.

Beijing’s ‘Composite Threats’ Strategy

Deputy Minister Wu asserted that President Lai Ching-te’s assessment of China as a “hostile force” accurately reflects the current geopolitical reality. He elaborated on Beijing’s modus operandi, which includes daily military incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, pervasive cyberattacks, and widespread disinformation campaigns. The overarching goal, Wu explained, is to weaken Taiwan’s social cohesion and infiltrate its systems, a concern echoed by many democratic nations globally. This strategy represents a persistent effort by Beijing to undermine Taiwan from within, a tactic that many international observers have noted with growing apprehension. China has intensified its “threat diplomacy” over the past decade, a comprehensive approach encompassing military signaling, economic coercion, cyber warfare, and cognitive manipulation. These actions are aimed not only at intimidating Taiwan but also at diminishing its international standing and isolating it on the global stage. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently highlighted these challenges, emphasizing that Beijing’s coercion is raising alarms among democracies worldwide.

Taiwan’s Steadfast Defense and Diplomatic Strategy

In response to these mounting pressures, Taiwan is actively bolstering its defense capabilities and strengthening its international partnerships. Wu highlighted three core pillars of Taiwan’s defense strategy. Firstly, the island is enhancing its military readiness through significant reforms, including the extension of compulsory military service to one year. This measure, which commenced in January 2024 for men born after 2005, is designed to provide more substantial manpower and better-trained reservists. This strategic adjustment aims to bolster the island’s defense capacity against potential aggression.

Secondly, Taiwan is committed to increasing its defense budget, a critical component of its self-defense strategy. The proposed defense spending for fiscal year 2026 is slated to reach NT$949.5 billion (approximately US$31.18 billion), representing 3.32 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This marks a significant increase, crossing the 3% GDP threshold for the first time since 2009 and reflecting Taiwan’s dedication to meeting its security needs. President Lai Ching-te has also set a more ambitious target to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, aligning with NATO standards. This substantial investment underscores Taiwan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and security in the face of persistent external threats.

Deepening International Ties and Global Role

The third pillar of Taiwan’s strategy involves deepening its international ties with democratic partners. Wu stressed the importance of ensuring that the global community understands that cross-strait security is intrinsically linked to global stability. Taiwan actively seeks to expand its participation in international forums and endeavors, cooperating with like-minded nations to foster peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This diplomatic outreach is crucial, particularly given Taiwan’s indispensable role in the global semiconductor supply chain, producing a significant majority of the world’s high-end chips, which are vital for global technological security. Wu also reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining the status quo and pursuing peace through dialogue, principled engagement, and mutual benefit. While Taiwan engages prudently and avoids provoking China, it remains resolute in its commitment to defending its hard-earned freedom and democratic values. The recent developments in Hong Kong, he noted, serve as a potent reminder of the importance of this resolve.

The Broader Geopolitical Landscape

The interview with Libération comes at a critical juncture, with the United States also increasing its military presence in the Pacific to deter potential Chinese aggression. Taiwan’s proactive defense measures, including the conscription reforms and increased budgetary allocations, are seen as key steps in bolstering its deterrence capabilities. The international community, particularly democratic allies, is increasingly recognizing the significance of Taiwan’s security to regional and global stability. This latest News from Deputy Minister Wu provides a critical insight into Taiwan’s strategic outlook and its unwavering resolve to maintain peace and security in a volatile region.