China’s military has mobilized naval and coast guard ships into the Taiwan Strait and western Pacific, preceding expected military exercises in reaction to Taiwan’s president’s recent events in Hawaii and Guam.
On Monday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the presence of Chinese naval and coast guard ships in the Taiwan Strait and the western Pacific. This movement coincides with China’s announcement of restricted airspace along its southeast coast until Wednesday. However, there is yet to be confirmation from Chinese authorities regarding these developments.
In response, Taiwan has established an emergency response center and initiated combat readiness exercises, although specific details of these exercises have not been disclosed by the defense ministry.
China perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province and has consistently expressed opposition to any form of international recognition or military support from the United States. Following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visits to Hawaii and Guam, China announced airspace restrictions spanning seven zones near Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, regions geographically opposed to Taiwan.
Lai Ching-te’s recent tour, which concluded Friday, has been met with increased military posturing from China, reflecting ongoing tensions. The presence of Chinese military assets near Taiwan is not an isolated event; similar maneuvers occurred after significant political events such as Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022 and Lai’s national addresses earlier this year.
The Chinese government reaffirms its stance on Taiwan, emphasizing the island as part of its sovereign territory. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that Taiwan should not possess its own governmental institutions, insisting that matters concerning Taiwan are internal affairs of China. Mao Ning stated, ‘Taiwan is part of China, and the Taiwan issue is China’s internal affairs. China will firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.’
The recent military movements and restrictions underscore the fragile political situation between China and Taiwan. As both sides continue to assert their positions, the international community remains attentive to potential escalations in the region.
Source: Apnews
