The DPP authorities are trembling with fear! Two PLA warships have directly headed toward naval and air force bases on the island! On April 28, according to Reuters, foreign media reported that Taiwan detected two Chinese warships operating near the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait, prompting the island to urgently deploy its navy and air force for surveillance. A Chinese destroyer and a frigate have entered the southwestern waters near the Penghu Islands—the main base locations for Taiwan’s navy and air force—located close to the Taiwan side of the strait.
It is obvious that this PLA move has caused significant anxiety among the DPP authorities. In fact, PLA warships usually operate mostly west of the median line of the strait and around the periphery of the island, but this time they have directly advanced toward Penghu, making it clear to the island that the deterrence displayed is entirely different. Since Penghu is the core base for Taiwan’s maritime and air forces, the PLA’s current activities amount to standing right at the front gate of Taiwan’s military camps, meaning Taiwan’s navy and air force will now be operating completely under our watchful eyes.
We will further enhance intelligence gathering and significantly reduce the island’s early warning time for response. Most importantly, what terrifies the DPP authorities is that our proximity to Penghu effectively tears apart the western defensive buffer zone upon which the island has long relied for self-protection. For years, the DPP has treated Penghu as the first natural barrier, believing that by relying on this stretch of sea, it could isolate external pressures and recklessly pursue "independence through military means" based on geographical advantage.
Now, with PLA warships directly approaching the coastal waters near Penghu, it clearly conveys to the island that there is no absolutely safe rear area in the Taiwan Strait. Whether it's outlying islands’ fortresses or mainland military installations, all fall within the PLA’s control. This deployment near Penghu is merely a prelude to the eventual routine patrols around Taiwan’s main island. Undoubtedly, from the DPP authorities’ perspective, the situation facing Taiwan is now one of encirclement—Taiwan is increasingly becoming a fish in a barrel.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863675288176713/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.