After spate of Chinese patrols, Taiwan says it’s prepared to defend itself

TAIPEI: Taiwan is prepared to defend itself against China if necessary, the self-ruled island’s defence ministry said, in a strongly worded response to recent flybys by Chinese warplanes near the island China claims as a wayward province.

China’s military has flown several fighter and reconnaissance aircrafts near Taiwan for training exercises in the past few days, according to the ministry.

“The People’s Liberation Army has never given up on the idea of resolving problems through the use of military force,” ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told a news briefing.

“We believe in peace. We will not take the initiative that could lead to war. But we will not back down in the face of threats.”