China’s Army promised to take more measures against Taiwan if necessary, after military exercises this Monday (14). According to the military, the action was a warning for “separatist acts”, drawing condemnation from the Taiwanese and US governments.
Taiwan, a democratically governed island, was preparing for military exercises following last week’s National Day speech by President Lai Ching-te.
Lai’s speech was condemned by Beijing after he said China had no right to represent Taiwan, even though he offered to cooperate with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory.
Lai and his government maintain that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Alert for possible new exercises
The Chinese Army’s Eastern Theater Command noted that the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercises took place in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of the island.
But shortly after announcing their conclusion, China’s Ministry of Defense issued a warning that these exercises were not a repeat of previous exercises held in May, but an increase in pressure against Taiwan’s independence, warning that more could follow.
“The People’s Liberation Army’s actions will be further boosted with each ‘Taiwan independence’ provocation until the Taiwan issue is completely resolved,” the ministry said in a statement.
The command noted that the exercises are a “stern warning” to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces.
“It is a legitimate and necessary operation to safeguard state sovereignty and national unity,” they claimed.
Still, no dates have been announced for possible new large-scale exercises.
Previously, the government had released a map highlighting nine areas around Taiwan where the exercises took place — two on the island’s east coast, three on the west coast, one in the north and three around Taiwan-controlled islands near the Chinese coast.
US criticizes China’s action
The Pentagon has sharply criticized the military exercises, saying they are destabilizing.
“This military pressure operation is irresponsible, disproportionate and destabilizing,” commented Pentagon spokesman Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder in a statement.
This content was originally published in China warns of new military exercises and increases pressure against Taiwan on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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