China began two days of military exercises “around the island of Taiwan” on Thursday morning (05/23/2024) as “strong punishment” for “separatist acts” in this territory, state media announced.
“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army began military maneuvers around the island of Taiwan on Thursday at 7:45 a.m.,” reported the official Xinhua press agency.
“The exercises are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, to the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan, as well as in the areas around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin,” he added.
The Chinese army’s military spokesman Li Xi assured that these maneuvers are “a strong punishment for the separatist acts of the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and a serious warning against interference and provocation by external forces,” the agency said. news.
The maneuvers, baptized with the name Joint Sword-2024A, take place after the inauguration on Monday of Lai Ching-te as the new president of this island of autonomous and democratic government.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has described Lai as a “dangerous separatist” who will bring “war and decline” to the territory.
The military spokesman quoted by Xinhua assured that the exercises “will focus on combat readiness for joint sea-air patrols, joint takeover of comprehensive control of the battlefield and joint precision strikes against key targets.”
Li said the exercises “will involve patrolling ships and aircraft approaching areas around the island of Taiwan and integrated operations within and outside the island chain to test the joint actual combat capabilities of the command forces.”
Taiwan responds with troop mobilization
Taiwan’s response to this move by China was immediate and involved the mobilization of its maritime, air and land forces, official sources reported.
“The military exercise on this occasion not only does not help peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but also highlights the militaristic mentality of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is the essence of military expansionism and hegemony.” ”said Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MDN) in a statement.
Taipei will take “practical actions” to “protect the freedom, democracy and sovereignty” of the Republic of China (official name of Taiwan), according to the same source.
jc (afp, reuters)
