China's military high schools cause "instability" in Taiwan and the region and are "irresponsible" actions for any major country, President Tsai Ing-wen denounced today, after Beijing announced that three days of exercises around the island had been completed.
High school started on Saturday, after Ms. Chai returned from her tour of Central America, during which she made two “passes”; from the US, which included, for the second time, her meeting with the speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Kevin McCarthy, in Los Angeles, California.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense announced, however, that they continue to attempt eight Chinese Navy ships around the island.
China's government, which had warned the US government not to allow Ms Tsai to make an official visit or meet with Mr McCarthy, has never ruled out using force to reunify Taiwan, which it calls a breakaway province. , with the mainland. Taiwan's government, which especially since Ms. Tsai was elected president has increasingly rejected Chinese positions, loudly denounced the high schools, which were seen as retaliation for her contacts in the US.
Through Facebook, Ms Tsai emphasized that she "represents my country to the world", that visits to the US are nothing new and that this is what Taiwan's 23 million residents expect of her.
However "China used this to advance military high schools, causing instability in Taiwan and the region. “This is not responsible behavior from any major country in the region,” he said.
The Chinese military conducted precision strike and blockade simulations on the island at high schools, involving dozens of fighter and bomber aircraft and warships, including an aircraft carrier.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported 91 flights by Chinese aircraft around the island yesterday Monday, a number which according to the Central News Agency was a record, although the ministry itself avoided confirming it.
Ms. Tsai assured that Taiwan's military and coast guard reacted calmly and professionally. "Our nation's military and national security team remain in place and will defend the country," he insisted.
The high schools have also caused concern in Japan, whose southern islands are close to Taiwan and could be at risk if conflict breaks out. Okinawa is home to a major US air base and, when China had also carried out large-scale strikes in protest at a visit to Taipei by Mr McCarthy's predecessor, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, Chinese missiles had landed inside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone ( AEZ).
Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada also referred today to the Chinese high schools, which he saw as an attempt to “intimidate” as they envisioned seizing control of the air and sea around the island. Through the high schools, Mr. Hamada told reporters, China appeared to be signaling that its behavior toward Taipei was becoming increasingly “intransigent.''
In Taiwan, however, there was no sign of panic or disruption. activity due to the exercises, while civilian flights to the island, and across the Taiwan Strait, were not suspended.
In a rare show of unity, Taiwan's ruling party and opposition issued a joint statement condemning China's high schools. “The people and government of Taiwan have the right to conduct smooth exchanges with other countries and contribute to the international community,” according to the text, while “the Chinese authorities have no right to interfere.” these activities and "cannot change Taiwan's strong will to have contact with the world".
Only 13 countries recognize Taiwan internationally, including Belize and Guatemala, which Ms. Tea on her tour, after the first "passing" from New York.
The US continues to implement the policy of the so-called "strategic ambiguity" on the Taiwan issue. Washington has officially recognized Beijing since 1979, but it remains Taipei's main protectorate and its main arms supplier.
Support for the island is one of the few issues on which there is complete alignment between the two. in both parties in the US Congress. Under the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's relationship with the US has strengthened more than ever.
Source: APE-MPE
