Taiwan insists his troops are on high alert closely monitoring large-scale military exercises China which surrounded its territory starting today, Thursday (4/8).
The government of President Tsai Ing Wen has stressed that Taiwan is ready if it comes to conflict without intending to ignite the flames of war.
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“The Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that we will uphold the principle of preparing for war without seeking war, and with an attitude of not escalating conflict and causing discord,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement as quoted by Reuters. AFP.
China’s massive military exercise took place in response to Beijing’s anger at the head of the United States House of Representatives (DPR), Nancy Pelosi, insisting on visiting Taiwan. According to China, Pelosi’s visit violates the One China principle and could send the wrong signal to Taiwan, which insists on independence.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen insisted his country “will not back down” with an angry Chinese bluster and vowed to repay Pelosi’s visit with military exercises.
“In the face of a deliberately escalating military threat, Taiwan will not back down. We will … continue to maintain the line of defense for democracy,” Tsai said while welcoming Pelosi in Taipei on Wednesday (3/8).
On the same day as Pelosi’s visit, China immediately announced large-scale military exercises including combat simulations and shootouts at six points around Taiwan. The exercise will take place August 4-7.
“This action is a serious deterrent to the recent major escalation of the United States’ negative action on the Taiwan issue, and a serious warning to ‘Taiwan independence’ forces seeking ‘independence,'” said Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for China’s Eastern Theater Military Command, through a statement as quoted CNN.
China’s Ministry of Defense said China’s military was “on high alert and will launch a series of targeted military operations to counter the current situation, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely thwart the interference of external powers and the Taiwan independence separation scheme”.
In an unusual move, Chinese state media also posted on Twitter a map showing six areas around Taiwan where the Chinese army’s military training site will be.
On the economic side, China has also isolated Taiwan by imposing a number of sanctions and trade blockades.
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