China launches military drills around Taiwan
Over the weekend, China’s military initiated joint air and sea patrols in the vicinity of Taiwan. This move coincided with a significant summit at Camp David involving leaders from the United States, South Korea, and Japan, aimed at strengthening their alliances.
According to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, these patrols and exercises are designed to enhance the coordination between military vessels and aircraft and to improve their ability to control both air and sea spaces. Shi stated that these activities would assess the armed forces’ readiness to engage in actual combat scenarios.
Furthermore, Shi emphasized that these patrols and exercises should be seen as a strong message against any collaboration between advocates of “Taiwan independence” and foreign entities, as well as a response to any provocations from such quarters.
It’s important to note that China’s Communist Party asserts its sovereignty over Taiwan, despite never having governed the self-governing, democratic island. China has explicitly stated its intention to bring Taiwan under its control, even if it requires the use of force.
These patrols occurred shortly after China’s foreign minister criticized Taiwan’s Vice President and presidential candidate, William Lai, while he was in transit in the United States on his way to Paraguay, which is Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally in South America.
