China expands military exercises against Taiwan

On Monday, China said it was expanding the threat of military exercises around Taiwan that have disrupted maritime and air traffic and significantly raised concerns about the possibility conflict in the region.

The drills will include anti-submarine exercises, apparently aimed at US support for Taiwan in the event of a possible Chinese invasion, according to social media posts from eastern leader of China’s ruling Communist Party army, the People’s Liberation Army.

The military said drills involving missile strikes, fighter jets and moving ships across the midline of the Taiwan Strait bisecting the two sides were a response to President Xia’s visit. US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited the self-governing island last week.

China has ignored calls to de-escalate tensions and shows no immediate indication of when it will end what led to the blockade.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry on Sunday said it had detected a total of 66 aircraft and 14 warships conducting naval and air force drills.

The island responded by putting the military on alert and deploying ships, planes and other assets to monitor Chinese planes, ships and drones that are “simulating attacks.” attack on the island of Taiwan and our ships at sea.”

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s official Central News Agency reported that Taiwan’s military will conduct live-fire drills in southern Pingtung County on Tuesday and Thursday, in response to Taiwan’s military drills. China.

The drills will include snipers, combat vehicles, armored vehicles as well as attack helicopters, the report cited an unnamed source.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens to annex it by force if necessary. The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war, but Beijing views visits to Taiwan by foreign officials as a recognition of the country’s sovereignty.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has called on the international community to “support democratic Taiwan” and “prevent any escalation of the regional security situation”. The Group of Seven industrialized nations also criticized China’s actions, prompting Beijing to cancel a meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi.

China has severed defense and climate talks with the US and imposed sanctions on Ms. Pelosi in retaliation for her visit.

The Biden and Pelosi administrations say the US remains committed to the “one China” policy, extending formal diplomatic recognition to Beijing while allowing for informal ties and defense ties. with Taipei.

However, the US has criticized Beijing’s actions in the Taiwan Strait, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling them “fundamentally irresponsible”.

During a visit to Myanmar, where a Chinese-backed military government is accused of killing opponents, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Washington is “taking advantage of the opportunity to increase its military deployment in the region.” area, which deserves high vigilance and a firm boycott. in all respects”.

Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for a de-escalation of tensions. “Australia continues to urge restraint, Australia continues to urge de-escalation and this is not just what Australia is calling for, and the whole region is concerned about the current situation, the whole region is calling for recovery. stability”. she speaks.