Tensions between China and Taiwan are rising. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced it had detected a formation of Chinese amphibious assault ships operating in the Western Pacific, while Beijing launched military exercises around the island.
Previously, the ministry said it had spotted 89 Chinese military aircraft – the highest number in over a year – as well as 28 warships and coast guard ships near Taiwan. This morning China has announced the start of military exercises, with live ammunition, around the island. For its part, Taiwan says it has detected 89 Chinese military planes and 28 boats near the island.
The Chinese army “uses destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and drones” as part of the military exercises, which include “live ammunition strikes on maritime targets north and southwest of Taiwan,” according to a statement from the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Area Command.
Taipei had already condemned China’s intentions, speaking of “military intimidation”and then in turn announced an appropriate deployment of forces in response to the Chinese maneuvers. “Appropriate forces have been deployed,” the Taiwanese military said.
Video China begins military maneuvers around Taiwan
China then launched a warning against “external forces” who support Taiwan, after launching exercises around the island that it says would simulate a blockade of its key ports. At a regular news conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said any attempt to stop Taiwan’s unification with mainland China was doomed to failure. This week’s show of force follows a massive arms sale to Taipei by the United States, Taiwan’s main security advocate.
Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration said more than 100,000 airline passengers will be affected by military exercises China has launched around the island. “Tomorrow, scheduled flights, including approximately 296 international departures, approximately 265 international arrivals, and approximately 296 transit flights,” will be affected, the administration said, adding that it expects travel disruptions for “over 100,000 passengers.”
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