Politics Threat to Taiwan: China holds new military maneuvers
In a renewed threat to Taiwan, China is holding a large-scale military exercise around the island republic. In a statement, the Chinese military spoke of a "stern warning" to the "separatist" forces of Taiwan.
14.10.2024, 12:57
SDA
The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV published a map showing several large red blocks around Taiwan. According to the map, the exercises are taking place in these areas. On Monday evening (local time), a further announcement stated that the maneuver had been "successfully" completed.
China threatens island republic with conquest
China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory, although independent and democratically elected governments have been in power there for decades. Beijing has long been openly threatening to unite the island, which has a population of more than 23 million, with the mainland using military force if necessary.
The pressure recently increased again after Lai Ching-te, another critic of China, won the presidential elections in Taiwan in January. The Communist Party in Beijing accuses Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of separatism.
Speech by the Taiwanese president is seen as the trigger
The exercises are likely to be a reaction to a speech by Lai on Taiwan's National Day on October 10. In his speech last Thursday, the president reaffirmed Taiwan's sovereignty, but also called on China to work with him for peace.
There were already warnings in Taiwan last week that China could use the speech as an opportunity to flex its military muscles again. The USA had warned Beijing not to respond to the speech with maneuvers.
USA sees danger of escalation
The State Department in Washington is seriously concerned about the exercises. Responding to an annual speech with military provocations is unjustified and carries the risk of escalation, it said in a statement. The US government called on China to exercise restraint and avoid further actions that could undermine peace and stability.
The US follows the one-China doctrine, which is a prerequisite for diplomatic relations with China and does not allow official contacts with Taiwan. However, the United States is legally committed to supporting the island republic's defense capabilities and is an important ally.
Ships and aircraft from several directions
A spokesperson for the Chinese military said in a statement that ships and aircraft were approaching Taiwan from several directions. Among other things, the aim is to practice blocking important ports and areas and to gain "comprehensive control". The Chinese Coast Guard also declared that it would carry out inspections in the waters around Taiwan.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense called the Chinese exercise an "irrational provocation" and declared that it had sent its own armed forces to "take concrete measures to safeguard freedom and democracy".
