World
October 14, 2024 16:50
amsterdam - China has initiated a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan to send a warning against separatist actions, with Taipei condemning it as a shameless provocation.
For the second time in five months, Chinese troops have begun a large-scale military exercise in the waters surrounding Taiwan. Beijing aims to warn the Taiwanese against engaging in separatist actions. Taipei has criticized the exercise as a shameless Chinese provocation.
Under Operation Joint Sword-2024B, Beijing has deployed ships and aircraft to the Taiwan Strait. The exercises, involving the army, navy, air force, and missile force, focus on blocking important Taiwan ports. The duration of the military exercises has not been disclosed by the Chinese military.
Through this large-scale operation, China intends to signal to Taiwanese President William Lai that moving towards an independent Taiwan is a 'dead end.' The exercises are meant to deter, according to Professor Zhang Chi of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) as reported in Chinese state media. "The more separatist forces dare to provoke, the further the PLA will advance." Beijing's actions seem to be a response to recent remarks by Lai in a speech where he pledged to resist any attempt to control Taiwan and emphasized the desire to cooperate with China.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan has condemned the Chinese action and placed its troops on high alert to 'adequately protect freedom, democracy, and sovereignty.'
In May, Joint Sword-2024A took place shortly after Lai's inauguration. The exercises were seen as a Chinese rehearsal to take over Taiwan. The current exercises follow a similar pattern but with added elements such as starting before dawn and simulating 'all weather conditions,' according to Chinese military experts.
In addition to Lai, China also accuses Kuma Academy, a Taiwanese organization, of supporting Taiwanese independence. The group, founded in 2021 to train civilians and prepare for an invasion, is labeled a 'base for Taiwanese independence' by the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office. As a result, members are no longer welcome in China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The organization's benefactor Robert Tsao, a tech billionaire who has voiced concerns over China's pressure on the island, and Puma Shen of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, who investigates information warfare in Taiwan, are also implicated.
The exercises on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are trending on social media. Users express differing viewpoints, with Chinese platforms supporting reunification of 'one China' and Taiwanese expressing concerns about military presence near major ports.
The U.S. is monitoring the military actions with concern, urging China to act with restraint to prevent actions that may undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway region, with President Xi Jinping asserting that 'reunification' is inevitable. Taipei was not surprised by Beijing's military maneuvers, as the PLA regularly conducts exercises aimed at Taiwan following perceived provocations or actions in Taiwan. While no shots have been fired, military experts warn that each new round of exercises signifies an enhanced strategic approach.