Taiwan will not start a war with China but will defend itself "full on," Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said Thursday, amid a spike in tensions across the Taiwan Strait that has raised concern internationally.
Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, has repeatedly said it will defend itself if attacked, but that it will not "advance rashly" and wants to maintain the status quo with China.
"What is clearest is that the Republic of China absolutely will not start or set off a war, but if there are movements we will meet the enemy full on," Chiu told a parliament committee meeting, using Taiwan's official name.