NEW DELHI: China on Thursday issued a stern warning to those advocating for Taiwan’s independence. The country encircled Taiwan with naval vessels and military aircraft in war games, as it vowed the blood of “independence forces” on the self-ruled island would flow.
The maneuvers come in the wake of Lai Ching-te‘s inauguration as Taiwan’s new president, with China denouncing his inaugural address as a “confession of independence.”
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin declared, “Taiwan independence forces will be left with their heads broken and blood flowing after colliding against the great…undertaking of China achieving complete unification.”
The Chinese military has initiated extensive two-day “punishment drills” encircling Taiwan, involving various branches of its armed forces, as a response to what it perceives as “separatist acts” following the rejection of Beijing’s sovereignty claims by Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te.
The drills commenced at 7.45 am on Thursday, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has responded by deploying its own air, ground, and sea forces, reaffirming its commitment to defending its freedom and sovereignty. Presidential spokeswoman from Taiwan condemned China’s actions as provocative and reiterated the island’s determination to resist coercion.
The military exercises, named “Joint Sword-2024A,” are being conducted in strategic locations around Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of the island.
China considers Taiwan to be a rebellious province that must be reunited with the mainland, even if it requires the use of force.
Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command, which is responsible for the Taiwan Strait, stated that the drills serve as both a punishment for the separatist actions of “Taiwan independence” forces and a serious warning against external interference and provocation.
The military exercises are being carried out in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island, as well as the areas surrounding the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. These drills demonstrate China’s resolve to maintain its territorial integrity and deter any attempts to undermine its sovereignty over Taiwan
(With inputs from agencies)
The maneuvers come in the wake of Lai Ching-te‘s inauguration as Taiwan’s new president, with China denouncing his inaugural address as a “confession of independence.”
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin declared, “Taiwan independence forces will be left with their heads broken and blood flowing after colliding against the great…undertaking of China achieving complete unification.”
The Chinese military has initiated extensive two-day “punishment drills” encircling Taiwan, involving various branches of its armed forces, as a response to what it perceives as “separatist acts” following the rejection of Beijing’s sovereignty claims by Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te.
The drills commenced at 7.45 am on Thursday, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has responded by deploying its own air, ground, and sea forces, reaffirming its commitment to defending its freedom and sovereignty. Presidential spokeswoman from Taiwan condemned China’s actions as provocative and reiterated the island’s determination to resist coercion.
The military exercises, named “Joint Sword-2024A,” are being conducted in strategic locations around Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of the island.
China considers Taiwan to be a rebellious province that must be reunited with the mainland, even if it requires the use of force.
Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command, which is responsible for the Taiwan Strait, stated that the drills serve as both a punishment for the separatist actions of “Taiwan independence” forces and a serious warning against external interference and provocation.
The military exercises are being carried out in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island, as well as the areas surrounding the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. These drills demonstrate China’s resolve to maintain its territorial integrity and deter any attempts to undermine its sovereignty over Taiwan
(With inputs from agencies)