Chinese military maneuvers threaten the world order

After Beijing “successfully” tested its ability to seize power on the island, the Taiwanese government warns of the impact of the two-day air and naval exercises on stability in the region and international peace and the large-scale military exercises carried out by China around it Taiwan considers the two-day “a blatant provocation to the international order.” Taiwanese presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo announced in a statement on Saturday (05/25).

“China’s recent unilateral provocation not only undermines the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but is also a blatant provocation of the international order, arousing serious concerns and condemnation from the international community.”

Beijing announced it had “successfully” completed the two-day exercise, dubbed “Common Sword – 2024A”: “severe punishment for separatist actions” by the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said Thursday that the operation “highlights the Chinese Communist Party’s militaristic mentality, which represents the core of military expansion and hegemony.”

Taiwan takeover test

The Chinese regime confirmed on Friday that the operations were aimed at testing its ability to “seize power” on the island. On state television, military expert Zhang Chi explained that it was a simulation of a blockade: the military tried to cut off energy exports to Taiwan; Intercepting the escape routes of its politicians abroad; And halting aid provided by foreign allies such as the United States. The People’s Liberation Army would also test its ability to occupy Taiwan.

During the past 24 hours, the Ministry of National Defense on the island recorded the presence of 27 Chinese ships and 62 Chinese fighter aircraft in the vicinity of its territory and the peripheral archipelagos. Of the aircraft, 47 – including SU-30 fighters and H-6 bombers – reportedly crossed the center line of the Taiwan Strait, the de facto border between the two countries.

It added that some Chinese warplanes passed within 39 nautical miles (72.2 kilometers) of the city of Keelung in northern Taiwan, which hosts a military base, and 41 nautical miles (76 kilometers) of Cape Ilwanpi in the south of the country. Ministry.

The ministry said Taiwan’s military “monitored the situation and deployed fighter aircraft, naval ships and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.”

The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration said on Friday that it repelled the incursion of four Chinese ships that entered the waters near the islands of Wokyo and Dongin, located near the Chinese mainland.

President Lai promises to protect democracy with determination

During the two-day Chinese maneuvers, Taiwan spotted a total of 111 warplanes – 82 of which crossed the center line of the Taiwan Strait – and 53 ships belonging to the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard.

This is the highest daily number of incursions since April 11, 2023, when China launched a series of maneuvers around the island, following the meeting held in the United States between the then Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, and Kevin McCarthy, the then leader of the Taiwanese. The Congress.

China’s military action began days after new President Lai Ching-te took office. On Thursday, he mobilized the armed forces on the island and appealed to residents to remain calm, stressing that his government would protect national democracy with all determination.

The region functions as a sovereign political entity, with its own diplomacy and military, although it is not formally independent. Beijing considers Taiwan a province of its own, which must be reunified by force if necessary.

AV (Losa, DPA)