Taiwan remains unaffected by China's two-day military exercise.
After China conducted a massive military drill to bully Taiwan, the newly-appointed Taiwanese administration responded with a face of disinterest. They claimed that they had "effectively managed the situation and responded adequately to preserve national security," as per a statement made on Saturday. China's display of force showcased 111 aircraft and a multitude of naval vessels, according to sources in Taipei. This two-day exhibition concluded on Friday.
According to Karen Kuo, spokeswoman for Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, China's reckless provocation not only jeopardizes tranquility in the Taiwan Strait but also "poses a threat to the global order." Kuo hopes that China will abstain from "any form of political and military coercion against Taiwan" in the shadows.
In light of the escalating tensions, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin intends to meet with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun next week during the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore. The Pentagon has revealed that the two ministers will discuss matters at the event. The US backs Taiwan with billions in military assistance and had requested that Beijing exhibit restraint in response to recent military activities.
Just three days into Lai's term, Beijing initiated the two-day military exercise "Joint Sword-2024A" in the Taiwan Strait, surrounding the island in its northern, southern, and eastern regions as well as the self-administered islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. Compared to previous drills, the exercises spanned over a significant area. China mobilized land, sea, air, and missile forces. Beijing's Ministry of Defense justified the maneuvers as "retribution for the secessionist behavior of the 'Taiwan Independence' forces."
The scale of the maneuvers was considered "sizeable" by China expert Wen-Ti Sung from the US think tank, the Atlantic Council. Despite the large-scale exercise, they were not as grandiose as the ones conducted in August 2023. Beijing also spearheaded significant military exercises off Taiwan last year in April and frequently sends fighter jets and warships near the island. Chinese military broadcasting reported on Friday evening that the exercises had been "successfully completed" after two days. A military representative stated that the maneuvers were conceived to test the potential for a "seizure of power." On a more aggressive note, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin threatened Taiwan's independence forces with "shattered skulls and blood."
Chinese authorities view Taiwan's new President Lai as a "separatist." China regards the island inhabited by 23 million individuals as a rebel province that ought to be reinstated as part of the mainland, using military strength if required. Taiwan split from communist mainland China toward the end of the civil war, 75 years ago.
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Source: www.ntv.de
