Taiwan’s newly-appointed defense minister did not rule out that China could start a war, Reuters reported.

“They are capable of starting a war,” Chiu Kuo-cheng told the parliament when asked by a lawmaker on whether China could attack Taiwan. “My goal is for us to be ready at all times.”

The defense minister has increased the number of personnel and weapons on Itu Aba, Taiwan's main island in the South China Sea. Itu Aba, also known as Taiping Island, is the largest natural island and is home to the Taiwanese Coast Guard garrison.

The minister noted that Taiwan is strengthening its position in the region due to China's expansionism, although it is not currently considering returning a permanent army garrison.

He also said the United States has approved export permits for all sensitive equipment needed by Taiwan's submarine fleet, which began construction last year.

He added that Taiwan's purchases of weapons from the United States, the island's main source of weapons, have not been influenced by the new Biden administration and are continuing.