China launches mandatory “military” around Taiwan

During Thursday morning's exercises in Taiwan's Strait and around Taiwan-controlled islands, the Chinese army simulated a full attack against Taiwan, a few days after new Taiwanese President Lai Ching took the oath.

China, which claims that democratic Taiwan is its territory, has condemned Lai's inaugural speech on Monday, in which he called on China to stop the threats and said the two sides of the Strait “did not submit to each other”.

On Tuesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called <x0pacipe” Lain.

Lai has repeatedly said he is ready for talks with China, but has been rejected. He says that only Taiwan's people can decide for their future, and reject Beijing's claims of sovereignty.

The Chinese military said that joint military exercises between the military, navy, air forces and missile forces in areas around Taiwan began Thursday.

Training is being held in Taiwan's Strait, northern, south, and east of Taiwan, as well as in parts around islands controlled by Taiwan, Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongy, according to the Chinese army.

This is the first time China has carried out military training in parts around these islands.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry condemned the exercises, and announced that it has put its forces around the island in a position, and that its antiaircrafts are tracking the targets. She expressed her conviction that she can protect her territory.

The start of military maneuvers in this case, not only does it not contribute to peace and stability in Taiwan's Strait, but it also emphasises the militant thought [of China]”, the Taiwanese Ministry said.

The Chinese army in the past four years has carried out almost daily activities in the vicinity of Taiwan. It carried out large - scale military maneuvers near Taiwan in 2022 and 2023.

Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province, which will eventually be part of China, and to achieve that has not rejected even the use of force.

But many Taiwanese see themselves as part of another nation, even though most of them are in favour of preserving status-quo, under which Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor joins it. / REL