Taiwan, 11 April 2023 (GNP): Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen criticized China’s military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, stating that China has not displayed the responsible conduct expected of a major Asian country.
Tsai stated that as the president, she serves as the representative of her country across the globe, whether she’s visiting allied nations or meeting with international friends within the United States. This has been a longstanding tradition and is a shared expectation of the Taiwanese people.
However, China has used this as an excuse to conduct military exercises, which has caused instability in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. This behavior is not indicative of a responsible major nation in the region.
China has concluded a three-day military drill on Taiwan Strait. United Sharp Sword exercises have taken place in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait to the north and south of the island, as well as the sea and airspace to its east until April 10.
This move by China comes after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen meets with the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy during her visit to Taiwan’s official and unofficial allies in California last week which has angered Beijing.
The Defense Ministry of Taiwan reported that it detected 71 Chinese aircraft, which included bombers and fighter jets, crossing the unofficial dividing line, known as the median line, that separates the two countries. Additionally, it also spotted nine Chinese vessels in the region.
Kevin McCarthy holds the third most powerful position in the United States government, behind President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. China perceives any communication or exchange between US and Taiwanese officials as a direct threat to its assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan.
According to a statement by the People Liberation Army (PLA), there is grave concern over collaboration and incitement between the separatist forces of Taiwan’s independence and outside forces. To defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the PLA has deemed the “Joint Sword” exercises as a necessary measure.
“We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability,” Taiwan’s defense ministry said in a statement.
Despite having no official relations with the government of Taiwan, the US maintains a robust network of unofficial and business connections with the island. However, federal law mandates that the US must ensure that Taiwan, which is home to 22 million people, possesses the necessary capabilities to protect itself in the event of an attack by China.
When Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, visited Taiwan in August, China reacted by conducting its largest military exercises in decades, which included launching a missile over the island.
China declared the military exercises shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron departed from the country after a meeting with President Xi Jinping and other top officials. During the meeting, Macron encouraged Beijing to persuade Russia to join in peace talks regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Following a civil war in 1949, Taiwan and China became separate entities. However, the Chinese Communist Party believes that Taiwan must reunify with the mainland, even if it requires military action. Beijing claims that any communication with foreign officials encourages those in Taiwan who advocate for a format that would lead to an armed conflict, according to the Chinese ruling party.