Media: Taiwan prepares for "complete blockade"

Taiwanese military leaders have warned that Chinese forces are preparing for a "total blockade" of the Taiwan Strait to prevent foreign troops from gaining access to the self-governing island in the event of a war. Defense spending this year must focus on the blockade threat, earmarking funds to stockpile spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and other weaponry. The Taiwanese military will also need to replenish its stores of artillery shells and rockets to strengthen combat continuity. China's military has been conducting joint force operations with an eye to controlling strategic choke points and denying access to foreign forces. Tensions over the breakaway republic have escalated since then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taipei last August.

Beijing responded to a visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen by ramping up military exercises and cutting off defense and climate ties. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said its budget for this year should prioritize funding for US-made weapons, including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Monday for building China's military into a "great wall of steel" to protect Beijing's interests and provide greater stability and security. China's defense spending will rise to $230 billion this year, up 7.2% from 2022's budget. A US-China war over Taiwan would result in devastating losses for both sides, with US and Japanese forces losing dozens of warships, hundreds of planes and thousands of troops. Taiwan would be left without electricity and basic services.