Severely condemning China’s military aggression around the island nation, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry slammed Beijing’s “irrational provocations”, adding that it had dispatched naval, air, and ground forces to “defend the nation’s sovereignty”. The condemnation came after China launched two days of military drills starting Thursday, in what it called “strong punishment” for the island country after Lai Ching-te swore in as its President, whom Beijing has labeled as a “separatist” and “troublemaker”.
Taiwanese Defense Ministry stated that its service members stand vigilant and are prepared to save the island nation’s sovereignty in the face of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. It is essential to note that China would be carrying out military drills all around the island, including the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, in its bid for territorial expansion and domination of Taiwan. A PLA spokesperson has termed the drills as a “strong punishment” for “separatist acts”.
The military drills are the first substantive response by China ever since President Lai was sworn in, after which in a speech, he called on Beijing to cease its “political and military intimidation” against Taiwan, urging the Xi Jinping government to promote a world that is free from the fear of more war. Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party asserts Taiwan’s separate status from China, and in his inaugural speech, he vowed to keep the country’s democracy safe from Chinese pressure. BYTE: video 6: 0.55 to 1.24 Lai Ching-te, Taiwan President
Notably, Lai Ching-te took oath as the President of Taiwan on Sunday, alongside the new Taiwanese vice president, Hsiao Bi-Khim. The Chinese government openly loathes both leaders, envious of their championing of Taiwan’s sovereignty. In his very first presidential address, Lai stated that the future of the island nation is as important to the world as it is to the people of Taiwan, urging China to “respect the choices of the people of Taiwan” and choose dialogue over confrontation, and exchange over containment.
However, the ignorant and expansionist China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has accused Lai of allegedly promoting formal independence for Taiwan, claiming him to be a “dangerous separatist” who would bring “war and decline”. Continuing with its assertive tactics, the PLA sent numerous aircraft and vessels to operate around Taiwan since Wednesday. Till 6 am on Thursday, Taiwan detected 1 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels, and 4 CCG vessels, while throughout Wednesday, Taipei detected 7 PLAN vessels and 4 CCG vessels operating around the island nation.
Condemning the Chinese provocations which jeopardize regional peace and stability, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry affirmed that its men “stand ready”, asserting that though it seeks no conflicts, it would not shy away from one.
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