Beijing conducts military exercises near Taiwan and issues warnings against independency
An aircraft carrier battle group recently participated in extensive military exercises in the waters and airspace near the island.
A Chinese aircraft carrier battle group positioned itself near Taiwan on Tuesday as part of the communist regime’s large-scale military maneuvers in the vicinity of the island.
A spokesperson for the Chinese military stated that the joint drills by the navy, air, ground, and rocket forces were aimed at serving as a “severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence.”
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported the presence of 19 Chinese navy vessels in the waters surrounding the island within a 24-hour period starting from 6 a.m. on Monday.
It was noted that the aircraft carrier Shandong had been under surveillance since Saturday and had entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo expressed that “these actions amply reflect [China’s] disruption of regional peace and stability.”
Koo also mentioned that Taiwan had established a central response group to monitor the latest Chinese exercises.
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The Taiwan Affairs Office of China released a statement on Tuesday accusing Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te of “stirring up anti-China sentiments” with his recent 17-point strategy.
The statement emphasized, “We will not tolerate or condone this in any way and must resolutely counter and severely punish these actions.”
Lai’s 17-point strategy aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s national security was introduced on March 13.
Examples of the strategy include relocating espionage trials to military courts and tightening immigration regulations for Chinese citizens seeking permanent residency.
Lai mentioned incidents involving military and retired members being influenced by China, as well as entertainers compromising their national identity for personal gain.
Over the years, China has made various attempts to assert control over Taiwan despite the island being under separate governance since 1949.
Following his election, Lai reiterated his commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence across the Taiwan Strait.
China frequently challenges Taiwan’s defenses by sending ships and aircraft into its air defense identification zone, sending a clear message to leaders in Taipei.
China’s Coast Guard spokesperson, Zhu Anqing, stated that patrols were being conducted around Taiwan to enforce the law.
From March 17 to March 21, Taiwan conducted a drill in response to increased drone and ship activity from China, aiming to enhance its readiness for any potential threats.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
