The UN and USA They called this Thursday for a de-escalation of tension between China and Taiwan which, although it dates back a long time, has intensified in recent days after the inauguration of the new president of the island, Lai Ching-teand his first speech, in everything pro-independence.
“We ask all parties to refrain from any action that leads to an escalation of tensions in the region“, said the spokesman for the Secretary General, Stephane Dujarric, and added that “we are obviously following closely the development of the situation in the Taiwan Strait.”
Shortly before, from Washington, an official from the Administration of Joe Biden They added their condemnation to Beijing’s reaction and asked the Chinese Communist Party “act with restraint” and put an end to the military exercises who ordered since “They are reckless, raise the risks of escalation and violate norms that have maintained regional peace and stability for decades”.
The political transition in Taipei cannot be used as a “pretext or excuse to make provocations or take coercive measures,” the politician continued and closed by maintaining that he also “observes with concern” and “closely monitors” these episodes.
For his part, the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Stephen D. Skenkamaintained that “When there is an action that highlights Taiwan in the international arena, the Chinese feel obliged to make some kind of formal statement” and, although it is already an expected behavior “it does not mean that we should not condemn it.”
After the president took office this week, China issued a series of statements and ordered actions that exposed its deep anger at the island’s desire to remain independent, ignoring its claim for control.
“The glorious era of Taiwan democracy has arrived”thanks to the citizens who “refuse to be influenced by external forces, which resolutely defend democracy”Lai then said.
In response to this, this Thursday the spokesperson for Chinese diplomacy, Wang Wenbin, declared the beginning of two days of military exercises “around the island of Taiwan” as “strong punishment” for “the separatist acts” of Taipei, promoted by the “dangerous separatist” Lai. Is about a “serious warning” for the ones “independence” of the archipelago to desist in their actions or, otherwise, They will end up “bloody”, he then threatened. The maneuvers involve the deployment of Army planes and ships, which will test their combat capabilities, seek to intimidate the new Government and could even “impose an economic blockade on the island, strangling the port of Kaohsiung,” assessed the professor of the Beijing National Defense University, Zhang Chi.
Immediately, the Taiwan Coast Guard deployed its units and the Army was put on alert. “If you decide to enter, we will take measures to repel you,” officers warned a regime missile frigate that was approaching their territory.
“This pretext to carry out military maneuvers not only does not contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but shows – deep down – its hegemonic nature”, noted the Ministry of Defense about China.
Meanwhile, the President demonstrated his commitment to confronting China and said that “We will continue defending the values of freedom and democracy”. “I will remain on the front lines with our brothers and sisters in the Army to defend national security together”he added.
(With information from AFP)
