Military drills involving warships, planes and jets signal escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait as Beijing responds to Taiwan’s defiance and U.S. calls for restraint.
China launched a major military exercise around Taiwan on Monday, deploying planes, warships, and an aircraft carrier in a show of force aimed at what it calls “separatist” forces. The drills, involving the air force, navy, and missile corps, simulate the blockade of key ports around Taiwan in response to recent statements by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te rejecting Chinese claims over the island.
Beijing’s Message: A Clear Warning
The Chinese Defense Ministry described the drills as a “stern warning” to Taiwan, emphasizing their resolve to prevent any move toward independence. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command said the exercises reflect China’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty. A map released by Chinese state media showed multiple military zones encircling Taiwan and its outlying islands.
“This is a major warning to those who back Taiwan independence,” said Navy Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
Taiwan Stands Firm
In response, Taiwan deployed its own naval and air defense forces, tracking Chinese warplanes and ships. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported spotting 25 Chinese aircraft and seven ships near its territory. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s leaders remained defiant.
“Threatening other countries with force violates the basic spirit of the United Nations Charter,” said Joseph Wu,
Taiwan’s security council secretary-general, reinforcing the government’s stance against Chinese aggression.
Life in Taiwan: Resilience Amid Tension
Despite the mounting military pressure, many residents in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, appeared unfazed. “I don’t worry or panic. It doesn’t impact me,” said one resident, reflecting a general sense of calm on the streets.
Another resident added, “I’ve been used to these military exercises since I was a child.”
US Calls for Restraint
Washington, Taiwan’s key unofficial ally, urged China to exercise restraint.
“We call on Beijing to avoid any further actions that may undermine peace and stability,” said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
China’s military exercises follow Taiwan’s recent National Day celebrations, where President Lai rejected China’s sovereignty claims over the island. Tensions remain high, with Beijing holding multiple large-scale drills over the past two years to assert control over the Taiwan Strait.
Sanctions Against Pro-Independence Advocates
China also announced sanctions against two pro-independence advocates in Taiwan, barring them from traveling to China. These include Puma Shen, co-founder of the Kuma Academy, a nonprofit training civilians for wartime readiness, and businessman Robert Tsao, who donated $32.8 million to fund the academy’s courses.
As tensions escalate, Taiwan remains resolute in defending its sovereignty, while Beijing continues to ramp up pressure through military maneuvers and diplomatic actions.
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