On Friday, the country conducted fake missile strikes and sent fighter jets carrying live missiles along with bombers in the Taiwan strait, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Beijing has claimed that the exercises were carried out to punish Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te.
The bombers set up several attack formations in waters east of Taiwan, carrying out mock attacks in co-ordination with naval vessels, it added.
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army said the exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword — 2024A,” were to “test the ability to jointly seize power, launch joint attacks and occupy key areas.”
The Chinese military drills are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south, and east of the island, as well as areas around the Taipei-administered islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.
This exercise which featured jets fitted with real missiles, were meant to resemble a possible war between the two nations. These actions were part of China’s efforts to demonstrate its military capabilities and assert its claims over Taiwan. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has consistently opposed any moves toward independence.
The United Nations called for all sides to avoid escalation. “On China, I can tell you that we’re of course following the developments in the Taiwan Straits closely. We urge the relevant parties to refrain from acts that could escalate tensions in the region,” the UN chief’s spokesman said.
The US, Taiwan’s strongest ally and military backer, “strongly” urged China to act with restraint. “We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint,” the Biden administration official said, warning China not to use Taiwan’s political transition as a “pretext or excuse for provocative or coercive measures.”
“This action is completely reasonable, legal and necessary to combat the arrogance of ‘Taiwan independence’ and deter the interference and intervention of external forces,” said Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China’s defense ministry.
However, Taiwan’s parliament faced a dispute between political parties over procedural matters on Friday, yet daily activities continued as usual in the bustling capital of Taipei.
Taiwan has condemned China’s actions, emphasizing its commitment to democracy and rejecting any concessions due to military pressure.
The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet closely monitored the exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. While the U.S. does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it remains a crucial supporter of the island’s defense.
Taiwan has been governed independently of China since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. However, China view Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to eventually unify it with the mainland, even if it requires the use of force.
Beijing asserts the “One China” principle, considering the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate government. It seeks Taiwan’s eventual unification with the mainland.
Speaking at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers conference in Kazakhstan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Taiwan is the “core of the core issues” for China and that the independence movement poses the biggest threat to stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Recently, the Biden administration has ramped up diplomatic efforts to press China to end provocative actions against Taiwan. The U.S. encourages engagement with Taiwan while also warning China abut its actions.
Taiwan as part of China and has maintained strict neutrality in the Taiwan-China dispute. However, India has strengthened its strategic ties with Taiwan in recent years, including increasing military cooperation and deepening economic ties.
India does not have an official stand on Taiwan independence. The Indian government recognizes Taiwan as part of China and has maintained strict neutrality in the Taiwan-China dispute. However, India has strengthened its strategic ties with Taiwan in recent years, including increasing military cooperation and deepening economic ties.
The Taiwan Strait is a heavily militarized waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is a strategic location due to its proximity to both China’s main transportation and communication infrastructure, as well as to the United States, which maintains several military bases in Japan and South Korea. Several war games have been held in the area, including naval exercises by the Chinese and American militaries in 2020, which increased tensions in the region.
