China launches military drills around Taiwan, drawing anger from Taipei and Washington | Wilnesh News

The Chinese military launched a new round of military drills near Taiwan on Monday, saying they were a warning against “separatist actions by Taiwanese independence forces”, drawing condemnation from Taipei and the U.S. government.

Democratic-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own territory, has been wary of more war games since President Lai Ching-te delivered his National Day speech last week. Cooperation with Beijing.

The China Eastern Theater Command stated that the “United Sword 2024B” exercise is being held in the Taiwan Strait and the northern, southern and eastern regions of Taiwan.

The statement said that this exercise is also a stern warning against the separatist behavior of Taiwan independence forces and is a legal and necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and national unity.

The order did not say when the exercise would end.

It released a map showing nine areas around Taiwan where drills are being held – two on Taiwan’s east coast, three on its west coast, one in the north and three around Taiwan-controlled islands off the Chinese coast.

The command stated that Chinese warships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan “at close range from different directions”, focusing on sea and air combat readiness patrols, blocking key ports and areas, attacking sea and ground targets, and “jointly seizing comprehensive advantages.”

However, it did not declare any live-fire exercises or any no-fly zones. In 2022, shortly after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, China launched missiles at Taiwan.

In a rare move, China’s coast guard circled Taiwan and conducted “law enforcement” patrols near Taiwan’s offshore islands, according to Chinese state media.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said China’s recent military exercises and refusal to renounce the use of force were “blatant provocations” and seriously undermined regional peace and stability.

Taiwan’s Mainland Policy Development Committee said in a statement that Taiwan will not back down in the face of further political, military and economic threats posed by China to Taiwan in recent days.

Chairman Lai has expressed goodwill in his National Day speech and is willing to work with the Chinese Communists to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech emphasized the current status of cross-strait relations and the firm will to maintain peace and stability, and advocated future cooperation to address challenges such as climate change.

“The CCP’s claim that it ‘seeks provocations and stirs up trouble’ is completely contrary to the facts,” the statement added.

Wu Lixie, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, said Taiwan will “remain vigilant” but will still remain “moderate and responsible and maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.”

“More than ever before, leaders around the world are talking about the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Wu told the China Political Forum in Taipei.

Taiwan will continue to pursue the possibility of dialogue with China.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense and Coast Guard said both agencies sent their own troops.

In Washington, an official in U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration said they were monitoring the drills and there was no reason to conduct them after Jimmy Lai’s “routine” speech.

The official said they urged China to “avoid any further actions that could jeopardize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the wider region.”

A senior Taiwanese security official told Reuters on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation that they believe China is blocking ports in the north and south of the island as well as international shipping lanes and preventing the arrival of foreign troops.

Taiwan reported on Sunday that a Chinese aircraft carrier formation was heading south of the island through the strategic Bashi Strait, which separates the island from the Philippines and connects the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Chinese state media has published a series of reports and comments since Thursday condemning Lai’s remarks, and on Sunday the Eastern Theater Command released a video saying it was “ready for battle.”

“Those who play with fire will set themselves on fire!” the People’s Liberation Army’s Liberation Army Daily wrote on Monday.

As long as the provocative behavior of “Taiwan independence” continues, the People’s Liberation Army’s actions to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity will not stop.

In May, shortly after Yoshihide took office, China held a two-day “Joint Sword 2024A” exercise in Taiwan, saying it was “punishment” for the separatist content in his inauguration speech.

Jimmy Lai has repeatedly proposed talks with China, but has been rejected. He said only the people of Taiwan can determine their own future and rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims.