Largest such “successfully completed” maneuver. Practices were also carried out for an invasion that Beijing still considers possible and necessary. The trigger for the maneuvers, including the risk of war, was the controversial visit of US politician Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
The armed forces of the People’s Republic of China declared that its large-scale maneuvers in the vicinity of Taiwan, which began early last week, ended on Wednesday. The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Command said on Wednesday that “several tasks have been successfully completed”. Military operations at sea and in the air “effectively tested” combat capability. Beijing had already again threatened violent “reunification”.
However, changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait would continue to receive attention. “Regular patrols” are planned. The military will “resolutely protect” China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
In response to a visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, China carried out large-scale military exercises around the island republic, including a possible conquest of the island. These were the biggest stunts of this type ever. Beijing rejects official contacts from other countries with Taiwan because it considers the island a “separate” part of China. Taiwan has considered itself independent since 1949 and is primarily supported by the US, although Washington has used the People’s Republic instead of Taiwan as the formal representative of all of China since 1979 and with proper diplomatic relations.
Anti-aircraft guns at Taipei airport PortalBeijing has again warned against seizing Taiwan by military means if necessary. China will always go to great lengths to achieve peaceful reunification, according to a white paper on the Taiwan issue published by the Chinese government on Wednesday. “But we will not refrain from using force and we reserve the right to take the necessary measures.”
According to the Chinese leadership, foreign interference in Taiwan will not be tolerated. “The historic objective of reuniting our motherland must and will be realized.” China has made similar threats in the past.
After Pelosi’s visit on Tuesday of last week, which was also widely criticized in the US, China’s military carried out a sea and air blockade and a possible invasion of Taiwan. It was originally announced that the exercises would end on Sunday, but they have been extended. China also fired ballistic missiles at Taiwan, one of which reportedly flew directly over the island for the first time. In response to the maneuvers, the Taiwanese military dispatched planes, gave radio alerts, deployed anti-aircraft systems and fired flares.
Pelosi (82) defended her trip on Tuesday. “What the Chinese are doing now is what they always do,” said the Democrat, who received “overwhelming bipartisan support” for her visit, although that was not necessarily the case.
(APA/dpa/Portal)