During the second day of military exercises, China simulated precision strikes against critical targets in Taiwan and its surrounding waters.
Beijing called the exercises a “stern warning” to Taiwan after its president’s visits to the US last week.
As the Chinese military simulated encircling the island, the United States urged China to exercise restraint.
At least 71 Chinese aircraft, according to Taiwan, flew around the island on Saturday.
Taiwan also reported that 45 warplanes crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, the unofficial border between Taiwanese and Chinese territory, or flew into the southwestern portion of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
In addition, nine Chinese ships were observed. The operation, which Beijing has termed “Joint Sword,” will continue until Monday. Officials in Taiwan are outraged by the operation.
Saturday, Taiwanese defense officials accused Beijing of using President Tsai’s visit to the United States as “an excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined regional peace, stability, and security.”
On the first day of the exercises, a Chinese ship fired a round near Taiwan’s nearest island, Pingtan.
The Ocean Affairs Council of Taiwan, which oversees the Coast Guard, released video footage of one of its ships shadowing a Chinese warship but did not specify the location.
A sailor radios the Chinese ship, “You are gravely endangering the peace, stability, and security of the region.” Please turn around and depart immediately. If you persist, we will implement expulsion measures.”
Other footage depicted a Taiwanese warship, the Di Hua, accompanying the Coast Guard ship during what the Coast Guard officer referred to as a “standoff” with the Chinese vessel.
Taiwanese defence officials said fighter jet sorties began early on Sunday after Chinese exercises ended Saturday night.
US State Department officials have implored China not to take advantage of President Tsai’s visit to the United States and have urged “restraint and no change to the status quo.”
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the US was “closely monitoring Beijing’s actions” and that the US had “sufficient resources and capabilities in the region to ensure peace and stability and meet our national security commitments.”
In 1979, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of China. But it is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
US President Joe Biden has repeatedly stated that the United States would intervene if China attacked the island, but US messaging has been unclear.
Ms. Tsai thanked US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for America’s “unwavering support” at a meeting in California on Wednesday, stating that it helped “reassure the people of Taiwan that we are not isolated and alone.”
China has “long-range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers, and refuellers.”
Chinese state media reported that the military exercises, which are scheduled to last until Monday, will “concurrently organize patrols and advances around Taiwan island, forming an all-around encirclement and deterrence posture.”
China has “long-range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers, and refuellers.”
However, residents of Taiwan’s capital Taipei appeared unfazed by China’s latest moves.
“Many Taiwanese are used to it; it feels like déjà vu!” Saturday’s Jim Tsai.
Meanwhile, Michael Chuang stated, “They [China] appear to enjoy orbiting Taiwan as if it were theirs. I’m now accustomed to it.
“We cannot escape if they invade anyway. We’ll observe what the future holds and proceed accordingly.”
Since 1949, when the Chinese Civil War turned in favor of the Chinese Communist Party. And the country’s previous governing government fled to Taiwan, Taiwan’s status has been unclear.
Since then, Taiwan has regarded itself as a sovereign nation with its constitution and leaders. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that will be brought back under Beijing’s authority – by force if necessary.
President Xi Jinping of China has stated that “reunification” with Taiwan “must be achieved.”
