BRUSSELS \u2014 Taiwan will step up efforts to become more \u201cself-reliant\u201d in its defense capabilities in the face of \u201cincreasing threats\u201d from China, according to a senior Taiwanese official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taiwan recently accused China of “reckless and provocative” action after two Chinese air force jets crossed a maritime border separating the island from the mainland on March 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chinese bombers and warships have also recently conducted drills close to Taiwan, the latest military maneuvers near the self-ruled island that the Taiwanese official denounced as \u201ccoercion\u201d and a threat to stability in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official is based at Taiwan\u2019s representative office to the European Union and Belgium, and spoke to Defense News on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official said the recent incidents highlight the need for Taiwan to become more \u201cself-sufficient\u201d by developing a more independent defense industry. The diplomat noted the country is already building supersonic training jets to boost air capabilities, and that the government allocated more than 21 percent of its defense budget<\/a> this year for the development of indigenous weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\t