Chinese military exercises (archive – Reuters).
Taiwan
Taiwan condemns such “irrational” measures and will defend its national security with solid combat readiness.
Taiwan detected 42 Chinese military aircraft and eight ships crossing the middle line in Taiwan Strait On Saturday morning, China launched a three-day military exercise.
Taiwan denounced such “irrational” measures, stressing that it would “defend its national security with solid combat readiness,” while the Chinese army said that the exercises constitute a “stern warning” to the “separatist forces” on the island.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said Saturday that the island was facing “continuous authoritarian expansion”. “In recent years, we have faced continuous authoritarian expansionism,” Tsai said, stressing that Taiwan “will continue to work with the United States and other like-minded countries to jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy.”
“These operations serve as a stern warning against collusion between the separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence and outside forces, and against their provocative activities,” military spokesman Shi Yi said in a statement.
Chinese state television broadcasts footage of the maneuvers – (archives – Reuters)
And the Chinese army announced, on Saturday, that the aim of the three-day military exercises is “combat readiness” in the Taiwan Strait, amid tension with the island after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
Chinese state television broadcasts footage of the maneuvers – (archives – Reuters)
The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army said that the “United Sharp Sword” exercises will continue from April 8 to 10, and their goal is “combat readiness.”
In a statement by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Eastern Theater spokesman Colonel Shi Yi said the “United Sharp Sword” exercise will include regular police exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
The defense ministry in Taipei said on Saturday that the Chinese military exercises threatened “stability and security” in the region.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense added in a statement that China “used President Tsai’s visit and transit in the United States as an excuse to conduct military exercises that seriously undermine peace, stability and security in the region.”
