News analysis

Taiwan's vow to treat China flights into airspace as 'first strike' shows resolve: Analysts

Taiwan exists under constant threat of an invasion by China. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng's parliamentary comments on Wednesday that the island would treat any Chinese incursion into its airspace as a "first strike" signals the island's strong resolve amid Beijing's mounting aggression.

But his goal was deterrence, not provocation, analysts said.

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