“China’s military began a new round of military exercises near Taiwan on Monday, saying it was a warning against “separatist actions by pro-Taiwan independence forces” without giving an end date, drawing condemnation from the Taipei government.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
China’s military began a new round of military exercises near Taiwan on Monday, saying it was a warning against “separatist actions by pro-Taiwan independence forces” and giving no end date, drawing condemnation from the Taipei government.
Source: Reuters
Details: The command of the Chinese military said that the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercise is taking place in the Taiwan Strait and in areas north, south and east of Taiwan.
“The exercise also serves as a stern warning against the separatist actions of forces advocating Taiwan’s independence. This is a legal and necessary operation to protect state sovereignty and national unity,” the PRC command said in a statement.
The command released a map showing nine areas around Taiwan where the exercises are taking place – two on the island’s east coast, three on the west, one in the north and three around Taiwan-controlled islands off the Chinese coast.
Chinese ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan in “close proximity from multiple directions,” focusing on air-sea combat readiness patrols, blockade of key ports and areas, attacks on sea and land targets and “joint capture of comprehensive superiority,” the command said.
Taiwan’s Mainland China Affairs Council said China’s recent military exercises and its reluctance to abandon the use of force are “flagrant provocations” that seriously undermine regional peace and stability.
In the face of further political, military and economic threats that China has been posing to Taiwan in recent days, Taiwan will not back down, the statement said.
A senior Taiwan security official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said they believe China is practicing blocking Taiwanese ports in the north and south of the island and international shipping lanes, as well as repelling the arrival of foreign forces.
Taiwan’s President Lai Tsingtae has repeatedly offered to negotiate with China, but has been refused. He says that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future and rejects Beijing’s claims to sovereignty.