Taiwan has strongly criticised China for what it described as provocative military exercises near its southwestern coast, accusing Beijing of endangering regional stability. This comes as a senior Chinese official reaffirmed China’s commitment to bringing the self-governed island under its control.
Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that on Wednesday morning, 32 Chinese military aircraft conducted a “joint combat readiness drill” alongside warships in the Taiwan Strait. Notably, China established a drill area just 40 nautical miles (74 km) off Taiwan’s coast without prior warning, in what Taiwan’s government called a blatant violation of international practice.
The ministry condemned the drills as a threat to international aviation and shipping, particularly given the proximity to Kaohsiung and Pingtung, which host crucial naval and air bases. Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port, is also a key global shipping hub.
By the afternoon, Chinese forces had left the drill zone, but Taiwan’s military remained on high alert. The defence ministry released footage showing a Taiwanese navy officer issuing a warning to a Chinese warship and two Chinese vessels on the horizon. However, China did not confirm the exercises, and its defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
Alongside its military activities, China reinforced its political stance on Taiwan. Wang Huning, the fourth-ranking official in the ruling Communist Party, urged stronger efforts toward “reunification.” Speaking at an annual Taiwan-related meeting, Wang stated that China must “firmly grasp the right to dominate and take the initiative in cross-strait relations.”
China has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and continues to denounce Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who took office last year, as a “separatist.” Beijing also criticises the United States for its support of Taiwan.
Taiwan’s government swiftly condemned China’s actions. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stressed that maintaining regional peace is the shared responsibility of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. She reassured the public that the government was closely monitoring the situation.
Taiwan’s defence ministry further warned that China’s actions, including its recent military presence near Australia, demonstrate Beijing’s status as the “greatest threat to peace and stability” in the region.
While China continues to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, the island’s government maintains that only its people can decide their future. With tensions rising, the latest drills serve as another reminder of the fragile security situation in the Taiwan Strait.
Melissa Enoch
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