Taiwan’s military has been placed on high alert, with Beijing issuing a “strong warning” to anyone seeking independence for the self-ruled island.
China has deployed 11 ships and launched 25 military aircraft in the latest round of enormous military maneuvers it has been performing over the past two years, without ruling out the prospect of using it to seize control of Taiwan.
The United States, which is closely monitoring the issue, has stated that China’s activities are “unpredictable” and risk “escalation,” while encouraging Beijing to abstain.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence blasted China’s unreasonable and aggressive behavior, stating that the island is prepared to defend itself and has already deployed the necessary forces in reaction to the Chinese moves. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more public than his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, which has enraged Beijing, which labels Taiwan a “separatist”.
The Chinese military stated that the drills are centered on air combat and patrol preparation, as well as shutting vital ports. They are also being held to simulate “attacks on sea and land borders”. According to a published diagram, four fleets of the coast guard have surrounded Taiwan and are moving anticlockwise around the island.