China issues caution to Taiwan through military drills.
Soon after the inauguration of Taiwan's freshly-elected president, China proclaims a rigorous military exercise. This is planned to happen in the Taiwan Strait, along with other locations. The Taiwanese government promptly reacts.
Following the inauguration of Taiwan's new leader, China initiates a colossal military exercise across East Asian island nation. "This is also a stern retribution for the pro-independence forces of Taiwan and an ominous forewarning against intrusion and instigation by external parties," explained a spokesman for the Eastern Command of the People's Liberation Army, Marine Colonel Li Xi. The army, navy, air force, and missile forces would engage in operations on Thursday and Friday within the Taiwan Strait, between Taiwan and China. It's expected to be the biggest drill in over a year.
The military reportedly intends to practice synchronized combat readiness both at sea and in the air, as well as targeting vital structures. Vessels and aircraft will allegedly encroach upon Taiwan from the north and south for "inspections," and also approach several islands, such as Kinmen, that are only a few kilometers away from the Chinese mainland.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense denounced the military exercise as a "foolish provocation" that jeopardizes peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The armed forces at sea, on land, and in the air had been placed on alert to defend "freedom and democracy by practical actions," according to Taipei. The defense ministry did not disclose any additional information regarding their actions. China labels Taiwan a renegade province, despite autonomous and democratically-elected governments that have been in-power there for decades.
Chinese Fighter Jets
The authority in Beijing has menaced countless times to reintegrate the island - with a population exceeding 23 million - with the mainland through violent military action. In addition to constant exercises by the armed forces, fighter jets frequently cross paths with the Taiwanese skies to display the military power of the People's Liberation Army.
The existing situation governing the announced drill seems to sprout from the swearing-in of the newly-elected Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Monday. His Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) claimed victory in the presidential election in January and backs Taiwan's independence. The Chinese Communist Party, in response, accuses the DPP of separatism. This warning also appears to relate to Taiwan's allies and, more specifically, the United States, which has pledged to safeguard Taiwan in the event of an invasion and regularly supplies the island with weapons, much to the chagrin of Beijing.
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In light of Taiwan's new pro-independence president, Beijing escalates tensions by conducting large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, including in the Taiwan Strait. Despite Beijing viewing Taiwan as a renegade province, the Taiwanese government vehemently opposes these exercises, viewing them as provocative and threatening to peace and stability in the region.
Source: www.ntv.de
