Taiwan Accuses China of Unilaterally Establishing Training Zone Off Its Coast
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that China has unilaterally created a “live-fire training” zone 46 miles off its southwestern coast without warning. This follows the detention of a Chinese cargo ship accused of damaging undersea cables. Taiwan detected a significant Chinese military presence in the vicinity, raising concerns about safety and regional stability.
On Wednesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry announced that China has established a zone for “live-fire training” approximately 46 miles off its southwestern coast without prior notification. This development follows Taiwan’s coast guard detaining a Chinese cargo vessel believed to have been involved in the severing of an undersea cable in the Taiwan Strait.
The defense ministry reported that 32 Chinese military aircraft were detected in the Taiwan Strait, with 22 of these aircraft operating near the island’s northern and southwestern regions as part of a “joint combat readiness patrol” alongside Chinese naval forces.
“During this period, (China) blatantly violated international norms by unilaterally designating a drill zone approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Kaohsiung and Pingtung without prior warning, claiming it would conduct ‘live-fire training,'” stated the ministry.
Currently, there has been no response from Beijing regarding Taiwan’s assertion. At a routine press conference, China’s Foreign Ministry refrained from addressing the matter, deeming it not a diplomatic issue.
The ruling Communist Party of China views Taiwan as part of its territory, despite Taiwan having never been under its control. The Chinese government has vowed to reclaim Taiwan, using military force if deemed necessary, especially under President Xi Jinping’s administration, which has intensified pressure on Taiwan.
Kaohsiung is a vital commercial center for Taiwan, housing the island’s largest and busiest port. Taiwan’s defense ministry warned that China had announced the training zone via temporary radio broadcasts within international shipping lanes, representing a severe threat to global aviation and maritime navigation safety.
The ministry concluded that this action constitutes a clear provocation against regional security and stability, underscoring the potential risks involved in China’s military maneuvers in proximity to Taiwan.
In summary, Taiwan’s defense ministry has condemned China’s establishment of a live-fire training zone near its coast without prior notice, characterizing it as a severe threat to international safety. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of Chinese military forces in the Taiwan Strait, reinforcing the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, particularly under the current Chinese leadership. This incident highlights the delicate balance of regional security in the face of growing military assertiveness from Beijing.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
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