A few days after Taiwan’s new president took office, China began large-scale military exercises off the coast of the island state. China also sees the maneuvers as “punishment for separatist acts.”
It is the first report in the morning news on Chinese state television CCTV: China’s military has started maneuvers around Taiwan. The military exercises are being held in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south and east of the island, said the news anchor. The areas around islands controlled by Taiwan are also affected – including Matsu and Kinmen, which are only a few kilometers from the Chinese mainland.
According to the Chinese military, the People’s Republic’s land forces, navy, air force and missile forces are taking part in the maneuver. The aim is to test combat readiness over two days. The military exercise is also intended to punish the “separatist actions of Taiwanese independence supporters.”
President sworn in on Monday
The Chinese military maneuvers begin three days after the inauguration of the new Taiwanese President Lai Tching-te. The state and party leadership in Beijing describes the China-critical politician as a separatist. He was sworn in in Taipei on Monday.
China’s autocratic Communist Party considers Taiwan to be its own territory, although the democratically governed island has never been under the control of the People’s Republic. The leadership in Beijing regularly threatens war if a peaceful annexation does not take place.
China’s military repeatedly carries out maneuvers around the island. In his inaugural speech, Taiwan’s new president called on the leadership in Beijing to stop the military and political threats.
Benjamin Eyssel, ARD Beijing, tagesschau, 23.05.2024 06:31 a.m.