News analysis

‘Cannot be passive forever’: Taiwan updates definition of ‘first strike’ to counter China

The change in definition marks a departure from Taiwan’s traditional rule of engagement, where armed forces can respond only after an enemy has fired a first shot. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

TAIPEI – Taiwan’s Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng is having trouble sleeping.

“The cross-strait relationship is very serious, I’m worried every day,” he said during a legislative hearing in Taipei on March 7, in response to a question on his assessment of the severity of cross-strait tensions.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.