China says it has completed its military exercises around Taiwan for now. “Several tasks have been successfully completed,” the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Command announced today. The army’s combat capability was “effectively tested” through joint military operations by the armed forces at sea and in the air space around the island of Taiwan.
However, changes in the cross-strait situation would continue to receive special attention. Thus, “regular patrols” are planned. Military training and other preparations are also expected to continue. The military will “resolutely protect” China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
Threatened to take Taiwan by force
In the context of ongoing tensions in the Taiwan conflict, China had already threatened to take over the island republic by military means if necessary. China will always make great efforts to achieve peaceful reunification with Taiwan, according to a White Paper on Taiwan Issues released today by the Chinese government.
“We will not refrain from using force and reserve the right to take any necessary action,” the white paper said. The use of force is the “last resort” “under compelling circumstances”.
In response to a visit to Taiwan by US House of Representatives chief Nancy Pelosi, China had been conducting large-scale military exercises around the island republic for the past week, including the practice of a possible conquest of the island. The Chinese leadership rejects official contacts from other countries with Taiwan because they see the island as part of the People’s Republic. On the other hand, Taiwan has long considered itself independent.