TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former US Defense Department official Tony Hu (胡振東) on Saturday called for closer monitoring of Chinese activity in waters east of Taiwan, warning that Beijing’s growing presence could signal future military operations.
Speaking at a fundraising event for the Formosan Association for Public Affairs in Washington, DC, Hu said Chinese vessels have increasingly entered waters east of Taiwan under the guise of maritime law enforcement and marine environmental surveys, per CNA.
Hu said closely monitoring these activities is essential to understanding China’s intentions. While some operations may be conducted for scientific purposes, he warned that repeated activity could indicate preparations for future military use of the area.
A Taiwanese American, Hu previously oversaw China and Taiwan affairs at the US Defense Department. He also served at the American Institute in Taiwan and worked for defense contractor Raytheon, which manufactures the Patriot air defense system.
Hu stressed Taiwan’s strategic importance, saying the US must maintain a firm presence along the First Island Chain, which includes Taiwan. He warned that a failure to prevent a Chinese invasion would severely damage US credibility in the Western Pacific.
He also highlighted Taiwan’s economic significance, noting that about 15.5 million barrels of crude oil transit waters around Taiwan each day en route to Japan and South Korea, while an estimated 30% to 40% of global trade passes through nearby sea lanes, per the report.
On US-Taiwan security cooperation, Hu said ties are broad and deep, spanning both strategic and tactical levels.
Addressing Taiwan’s defense preparedness, Hu cited strong public participation in civil defense programs, including courses offered by Kuma Academy, as evidence that many Taiwanese are willing to defend their homeland.
Responding to questions about opposition efforts to block Taiwan’s special defense budget over corruption concerns, Hu said oversight should focus on strengthening accountability and procurement reviews rather than reducing defense spending. He warned that cutting military funding would weaken Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and undermine deterrence against China.
