BREITBART Chen Ming-tong, Director-General of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, told a session of the Taiwanese legislature on Monday that Russia’s poor performance during its invasion of Ukraine could give China second thoughts about attacking Taiwan.

An opposition party legislator asked Chen about a Financial Times interview with American Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John Aquilino on Friday.

Aquilino discussed China’s growing “boldness” in harassing Taiwan with “increased maritime and air operations.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m more concerned, but I do see increased pressure, and we have to make sure we are prepared should any actions get taken,” Chen said.

“I don’t think anyone five months ago would have predicted an invasion of the [sic] Ukraine. So I think the number one lesson is: ‘Hey, this could really happen,’” the U.S. admiral said.

Chen contended that China would study Russia’s difficulties in Ukraine and become less likely to act “rashly” against Taiwan.

“Beijing has never renounced the use of force against Taiwan and it has long been an open plot for it to unify Taiwan ever since 1949,” Chen acknowledged. The Republic of China (ROC) government relocated to Taiwan in 1949 at the conclusion of the Chinese civil war.

“I can tell in the next three years of the remaining tenure of President Tsai, Beijing is unlikely to send forces to attack Taiwan,” he continued. “But we must not relax our vigilance and must be well prepared militarily and once they attack us we must counter-attack. We are not a limp chicken doing nothing.”