Beijing/Taipei, May 23 (EFE).- The Chinese military began military maneuvers around the island of Taiwan as “punishment” for alleged separatist acts related to its independence and warned against interference and provocation by outside forces.
In response, Taiwan deployed its armed forces as a precautionary measure against Chinese aggression.
The PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command reported that the exercises began at 7.45am local time and involved all the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces, including the navy and air force, and involved missiles.
The military drills come three days after the swearing-in of Taiwan’s new president, William Lai (Lai Ching-te), branded by Beijing as a “secessionist” and “troublemaker.”
Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Li Xi said the drills, dubbed Joint Sword 2021A, will continue until Friday.
The drills focus on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, and joint precision strikes on key targets, Li said.
He added that the exercises involve the patrol of vessels and planes closing in on areas around the island of Taiwan and integrated operations inside and outside the island chain.
Li said the drills also serve as a strong punishment for the separatist acts of “Taiwan independence” forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces.
China has also called these drills legitimate and necessary, and in line with international law.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference that these exercises sought to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and punish the separatist activities of those promoting Taiwanese independence.
Earlier during the day, Deputy Commander at US Indo-Pacific Command Stephen D. Sklenka had described the Chinese maneuver as “concerning,” in response to which Wang warned against foreign interference in their domestic affairs.
Taiwan’s response to China’s move was immediate and involved the mobilization of its sea, air and land forces, official sources said.
“WE CONDEMN PLA Eastern Theater’s announcement of ‘Joint Li Chien-2024A’ jeopardizing regional peace and stability,” the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense posted on social media platform X.
“WE STAND READY with firm will and restraint. We seek no conflicts, but we will not shy away from one. We have the confidence to safeguard our national security,” it added.
The ministry also said in a statement that China’s move showed its militarist mentality and that Taiwan would take necessary steps to protect liberty, democracy and sovereignty of the island.
It added that in recent years, the CCP has continued to send planes and ships to harass Taiwan, causing substantial damage to global peace and stability.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, considering it a rebel province since the Kuomintang nationalists retreated there in 1949 after losing the civil war against the communist army. EFE
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