Chinese Military Conducts Drills Around Taiwan as Independence Warning
The Chinese military has initiated large-scale drills around Taiwan, warning against independence attempts. The exercises involve various military branches and aim to deter pro-independence sentiments. Taiwan, in response, enhances its defense capabilities amidst ongoing Chinese military pressure, reflecting the historical tensions between the two since the civil war.
On Tuesday, the Chinese military commenced extensive drills around Taiwan, reflecting its warning against any moves toward independence by the self-governing island. According to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, these joint exercises encompass naval, air, ground, and rocket forces. The purpose of the drills is to deliver a “severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence,” as stated by Shi.
China maintains that Taiwan is a part of its territory and asserts that it will assert control over the island, potentially by force if necessary. Conversely, the majority of Taiwanese citizens express strong support for their de facto independence and democratic governance. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported tracking 19 Chinese navy vessels in the surrounding waters over a recent 24-hour period.
These latest drills follow a substantial military exercise earlier in March, which saw Beijing deploying a significant number of drones and naval vessels towards the island. Daily incursions by Chinese warplanes and navy ships have become common, contributing to the psychological pressure on Taiwanese defenses and public morale. Notably, the overwhelming majority of Taiwan’s 23 million citizens reject China’s claims to sovereignty over the island.
In response to these escalating threats from China, Taiwan has been proactive in reinforcing its military capabilities by procuring new missiles, aircraft, and various arms from the United States while also revitalizing its domestic defense industry. Taiwan and China have been politically divided since the civil war ended 76 years ago, but tensions have intensified in recent years due to the cessation of communication between the two governing bodies.
In summary, the Chinese military’s recent drills around Taiwan serve as a stark warning against the island’s aspirations for independence. Taiwan’s response has involved bolstering its defense capabilities in light of continual incursions by Chinese forces. The longstanding tensions between the two, rooted in their historical division, persist as communication has ceased and military activities escalate. Taiwan continues to navigate its defense strategy amid these challenges, reflecting the prevailing desire for independence among its populace.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
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