On a second day of military exercises, China simulated precise attacks against important sites in Taiwan and its surrounding seas.
The exercises are in reaction to Taiwan’s president’s visit to the US last week, which Beijing has described as a “stern warning” to the independent island.
The US asked China to exercise patience as its military practiced encircling the island.
At least 71 Chinese planes reportedly circled the island on Saturday, according to Taiwan.
Taiwan also reported that 45 aircraft either flew into the southwestern portion of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone or breached the Taiwan Strait median line, the unofficial boundary between Taiwanese and Chinese territory.
Moreover, nine Chinese ships were seen. China has given the operation the codename “Joint Sword,” and it will go through Monday. The action has infuriated Taiwanese leaders.
Defense authorities in Taipei charged China on Saturday with abusing President Tsai’s trip to the US by conducting military drills that “seriously damaged peace, stability, and security in the area.”
One of China’s ships fired a round on the first day of the exercises as it passed by Pingtan Island, which is where China is closest to Taiwan.
While it didn’t specify a location, Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, which oversees the Coast Guard, released video footage of one of its ships following a Chinese cruiser.
A sailor can be heard speaking to the Chinese ship on the radio in the video: “You are significantly compromising the peace, stability, and security of the area. Just turn back and leave right now. If you keep going, we’ll take steps to expel you.”
In another video, the Taiwanese destroyer Di Hua could be seen battling alongside the Coast Guard ship in what the Coast Guard commander refers to as a “standoff” with the Chinese ship.
While the Chinese drills were completed by nightfall on Saturday, Taipei defense authorities reported that fighter aircraft sorties resumed early on Sunday.
Chinese diplomats have been encouraged not to participate in President Tsai’s travel to the US and to exercise “control and no alteration to the status quo.”
news today :The US was “closely watching Beijing’s activities,” according to a state department official, who also asserted that the US has “adequate resources and capabilities in the area to preserve peace and stability and to satisfy our national security responsibilities.”
Even though it cut diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 in favor of Beijing, the US is legally required to provide Taiwan the tools to defend itself.
While American messaging has been ambiguous, US President Joe Biden has repeatedly said that the US would interfere if China invaded the island.
Ms. Tsai hailed US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for America’s “unwavering support” during the meeting on Wednesday in California, saying it helped “reassure the people of Taiwan that we are not alone and we are not alone.”
in order to prevent China tensions from rising
, Mr. McCarthy decided to arrange the conference in California rather than go to Taiwan personally as initially intended.
The military training, which is scheduled to go through Monday, will “simultaneously arrange patrols and advances surrounding Taiwan island, building an all-around encirclement and deterrent posture,” according to Chinese official media.
The Chinese military has also dispatched “long-range rocket artillery, navy destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers, and refuellers,” according to the statement.
Nonetheless, people in Taiwan’s capital Taipei seemed unconcerned by China’s most recent moves.
“I believe most Taiwanese are accustomed to it now; it appears to be happening yet again!” On Saturday, Jim Tsai stated.
“They [China] seem to relish doing it, surrounding Taiwan as if it were their own,” Michael Chuang said. Now, I’m accustomed to it.
If they come in, we won’t be able to get away. Before continuing, we’ll wait and see what the future brings.
Since 1949, when the Chinese Civil War ended in favor of the Chinese Communist Party and the nation’s previous governing government fled to the island, Taiwan’s position has been unclear.
Since then, Taiwan has seen itself as an independent nation with its authority and constitution. China views it as a separatist province that will ultimately be reclaimed by Beijing, perhaps through force.
According to China President Xi Jinping, Taiwan’s “reunification” “will be accomplished.”
