Taiwan lowers air raid alarm threshold amid rising tensions with China
- Taiwan has revised its air raid alarm system in response to increasing military activity by China.
- The new non-defensive threshold now triggers alarms at 24 nautical miles from the coast.
- Officials claim this is necessary for national defense despite concerns about civilian safety.
Taiwan has implemented a significant change to its air raid alarm protocol, now triggering alarms at 24 nautical miles from its coast, down from the previous 70 nautical miles limit. This adjustment coincides with an increase in military provocations from China, including the frequent presence of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and vessels around Taiwan. Taiwanese officials, led by Defence Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, justified the modification as a necessary response to the escalating hostilities, emphasizing the need to enhance the nation’s defensive readiness. However, concerns have emerged regarding the impact of this decision on civilian safety, as the shortened alert distance may afford less time for citizens to take shelter during potential conflicts.