Taiwan on high alert as China conducts drills, deploys missile, naval, and land units

Taiwan on High Alert as China Conducts Military Exercises

In a show of force, Taiwan scrambled jets and put missile, naval, and land units on alert as China conducted military exercises around the self-governing island democracy. The Chinese military stated that the two-day exercises were a response to separatist forces seeking independence, claiming that Taiwan is part of China’s national territory.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry condemned China’s actions, stating that they jeopardized regional peace and stability. President Lai Ching-te called for Beijing to stop its military intimidation and pledged to maintain Taiwan’s values of freedom and democracy.

The Nationalist Party, known as the KMT and generally seen as pro-China, also condemned Beijing’s actions and called for restraint to avoid conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The tensions come amid protests outside Taiwan’s legislature against legislative maneuvers by the Nationalists and allies.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command stated that the exercises were meant to test their capabilities and punish separatist forces seeking independence. China’s coast guard also conducted drills near islands close to Taiwan.

In response to the situation, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka called on Asia-Pacific nations to condemn China’s military exercises. Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa emphasized the importance of Taiwan remaining peaceful and reiterated the close partnership between Japan and Taiwan.

The international community closely watches the situation as Taiwan continues to assert its independence while seeking dialogue with Beijing to avoid conflicts that could draw in allies like the U.S., Japan, and Australia. The ongoing tensions highlight the delicate balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.