Taiwan deployed its Armed Forces on Monday to “defend freedom and democracy” and “protect” its sovereignty against Chinawhich this morning announced a new wave of military maneuvers around the island, official sources reported.
In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MDN) expressed its “strong condemnation” before the “provocative and irrational actions” carried out by Beijing, which “increase tension and damage peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”.
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“In the face of enemy threats, the Armed Forces are on maximum alert, with the firm will to ‘prepare for war without seeking it, face it without avoiding it.’ “They will continue to strengthen their deterrent capabilities and deepen patriotism among soldiers, building a reliable and resilient military force with the capacity, determination and confidence to guarantee national security.”stated the military portfolio.
The Chinese Army began military exercises around Taiwancalled ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ (joined sword in English), in which it simulates the blockade and takeover of ports and key areas of the island, as well as attacks on naval and land targets.
These maneuvers occur four days after the president of Taiwan, William Laireiterated, during the celebration of the Taiwanese National Day, that the Republic of China (official name of Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China “they are not subordinate to each other” and that Beijing “does not have the right to represent” to Taiwan.
The island president, considered a “independence” and a “troublemaker” by the Beijing authorities, also expressed his willingness to “work” with China to “address climate change, prevent infectious diseases and maintain regional security”.
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“Claims of ‘provocation’ by China are completely baseless”noted the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense, highlighting that Lai’s speech advocated “future cooperation” between both sides of the Strait to “jointly seek peace and prosperity” in the region.
Some expected maneuvers
Early last week, Taiwanese national security officials warned that China could launch military exercises around the island using as a “pretext” Lai’s remarks on National Day, a date traditionally used by Taiwanese presidents to address the population and, in the process, show its position regarding Beijing.
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These maneuvers constitute the second edition of the ‘Joint Sword-2024A’exercises carried out by the Chinese Army after Lai’s inauguration on May 20 with the purpose of “punishing” the “separatist acts related to the independence” of the island.
During these drills, which took place from May 23 to 24, the Taiwanese Army detected a total of 111 warplanes and 53 ships of the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard operating in the vicinity of its territory.
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The Chinese government then warned that it would again “take countermeasures” against Taiwan Yeah “secessionist forces seeking independence continue to provoke”and until the “complete reunification” of the country.
