Just days before, the U.S. delivered a new F-16 fighter jet to Taipei.
China’s military has commenced exercises near Taiwan, according to the Defense Ministry on Tuesday, with the stated goal of deterring what it calls “separatism.”
PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesman Colonel Shi Yi stated that the drills involve army, navy, air, and rocket forces. The exercises will focus on joint sea-air combat patrols, coordinated efforts for comprehensive dominance, simulated attacks on sea and land targets, and blockades of key areas and sea lanes, the statement said.
Reuters reported that Taiwanese officials said the PLA dispatched ten military ships toward Taiwan, prompting a naval response from the island’s military.
The American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as a de facto embassy, described the exercises, as quoted by the news agency, as evidence that China is “not a responsible actor and has no problem putting the region’s security and prosperity at risk.”
China described the maneuvers as a warning to Taiwanese independence “separatist forces.” While China claims Taiwan as its own, the island has its own government, which originated from the nationalist forces defeated by the Communists in the Chinese Civil War during the 1940s. A PLA cartoon video portrayed Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as an insect, labeling her a “parasite courting [the] ultimate destruction” of Taiwan.
Taiwan maintains a strong relationship with the U.S., which, despite China’s claims, provides military support to the island. Last week, Taiwanese officials attended a ceremony at a Lockheed Martin factory in Greenville, South Carolina, to mark the delivery of the first of 66 advanced F-16 Block 70 Viper fighter jets ordered by Taiwan.
U.S. Congressman William Timmons shared images on X of the event – which he attended with Taiwan’s deputy defense minister and its representative to the U.S. He stated, “We are immensely proud to be the global home of the F-16 and to bolster Taiwan’s air defense capabilities.”
China views U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as a provocation that encourages separatism. Although China’s official stance emphasizes peaceful reunification, it hasn’t ruled out using force if Taiwan declares independence.
“`