China shows military might in exercises off Taiwan in response to ‘provocations’, says PLA colonel
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“Recently, the United States and Taiwan have repeatedly provoked and sent serious wrong signals, severely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and severely undermined the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, which has become the biggest source of security risks across the Taiwan Strait. This exercise is a necessary action based on the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and the need to safeguard national sovereignty,” Shi said in a statement.
“It is a solemn response to external interference and provocations by ‘Taiwan independence’ forces. The Eastern Theatre will continue to strengthen combat readiness training, be determined and capable to defeat all separatist activities of Taiwan independence and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be taken back under its control, by force if necessary, and has been wary of warming ties between Taipei and Washington.
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But Taiwan and the US last week agreed to hold regular talks on cooperation between their coastguards, which could include joint drills near the self-ruled island. The US also approved a new arms sale package to Taiwan, an artillery system valued at up to US$750 million.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Tuesday that China’s determination in seeking reunification with Taiwan would not change no matter how many weapons the US sold to the island.
She said the US had sold arms worth more than US$70 billion to Taiwan over the past 39 years, and the administration of former US president Donald Trump had approved 11 arms sales package to Taiwan over the past four years worth US$18.3 billion.
“China urges the US to recognise the high sensitivity and serious harm of selling arms to Taiwan,” she said in a daily press conference.
Taiwan, US agree to hold regular talks on coastguard cooperation
Retired People’s Liberation Army (PLA) colonel Yue Gang said the drills, with a combination of forces and multidimensional operations, had the potential to transform into a real attack immediately.
“This drill has two meanings – to send a warning message and to prepare for a strike. If the warning did not work, we could switch into a real assault right away,” he said.
Yue said that over the years Taiwan would have crossed the red line long ago and declared independence had it not been for the PLA’s military deterrence.
“Although Taipei is ‘slicing salami’, they still dare not to cross the line, which is the effect of the military pressure,” Yue said. “But our policy is still to try our best for peaceful reunification … so it is likely to remain a see-saw confrontation for some time.”
Additional reporting by Liu Zhen
