Taiwan’s Defense Ministry accused Beijing of firing “several ballistic missiles into northeast and southwest Taiwan waters since 1:56 p.m. (local time, 7:56 a.m. CET),” the ministry announced on Twitter.
“We condemn these irrational acts which threaten regional peace.” A TVBS News reporter from Taiwan said the ministry had “launched the defense system”.
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Images posted on Chinese social media reportedly show artillery and missile fire towards the Taiwan Strait. Agence France-Presse broadcast a video of a Chinese military helicopter flying near the Chinese island of Pingtan. The island is only about 130 kilometers from Taiwan.
China began its military exercises near Taiwan in the evening (local time), according to Chinese state television. “Practice has started,” CCTV broadcaster Weibo said on Thursday.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it was monitoring the situation closely. The Armed Forces of the Archipelago State will operate on the principle of “preparing for war without wanting war”. Don’t look for “conflict escalation” either.
According to the Defense Ministry, Taiwan has previously used flares to launch unidentified Chinese missiles over the Kinmen Islands. Major General Chang Zunsong of the Kinmen Defense Command told Reuters on Thursday that two Chinese planes, possibly two drones, entered the area twice on Wednesday night, around 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
“We immediately turned on the warning beacon and chased them away. Then they came back. They came into our safe zone, so we kicked them out. The drone was reportedly used to gather information about security measures in Taiwan. The politically fortified Kinmen Islands are part of Taiwan, but lie off the southeast coast of China near the city of Xiamen.
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According to state media, China’s ongoing maneuvers around Taiwan aim to impose a sea and air blockade on the DPRK. It also practices the possibility of a military invasion of Taiwan. The Taiwan Port Authority announced on Thursday afternoon (local time) that the Chinese Air Force was expanding the maneuvering area, tweeting William Yang, Deutsche Welle correspondent for East Asia.
In addition, training will be extended until 10:00 a.m. next Monday. The drills, which will also include missile tests and targeting drills, were organized by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in response to the PLA chief’s visit. United States House of Representatives Order Nancy Pelosi is in Taiwan.
The communist leadership considers Taiwan only as part of the People’s Republic of China. Beijing firmly rejects official communications from other countries to Taipei and has strongly warned against such visits. On the other hand, Taiwan has always considered itself independent.
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Barbouk calls for de-escalation
Foreign Minister Annalina Barbuk (Greens) called for de-escalation during her visit to Canada. Visits such as Pelosi’s to Taiwan “must not be used as an excuse for threatening military moves. Changing the status quo in Taiwan” can only be done peacefully and with the mutual consent of all parties involved. “
Chinese artillery also plans to conduct targeted long-range training in the Taiwan Strait that separates the mainland from Taiwan. State media also reported that the middle line drawn by Taiwan on the seaway had been crossed “which no longer exists”. Eastern Command Deputy Chief of Staff Gu Zhong said there should be island blockade training, naval strikes, landings and airspace control.
Greater maneuverability than the “missile crisis” of 1995
Chinese military experts say the maneuver is more significant than during the “missile crises” of 1995 and 1996, when China sent missiles north and south through Taiwan’s territorial waters to intimidate. Until then, Beijing wants to intimidate pro-independence forces in Taiwan by raising tensions. At that time, the United States sent two aircraft carriers.
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According to Chinese reports, the initial announcement on Tuesday evening – as soon as Pelosi arrives in Taiwan – should give civilian ships and airlines enough time to leave the maneuvering area or change flight paths. Planned to resume training, which began Tuesday evening in full on Thursday.
The conflict could drag the United States into the conflict militarily. In the current situation, experts have warned of serious accidents caused by miscalculations by the armed forces of both sides. The United States has committed itself to Taiwan’s defense capabilities, which so far has mainly resulted in arms deliveries. However, US President Joe Biden has repeatedly said that the United States has an obligation to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.
When meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen the day before, US leader Pelosi also pledged US support. “We are unwavering in our commitment to upholding democracy around the world and in Taiwan.” “We will not abandon our commitment to Taiwan,” said his visiting Congress delegation. (TSB, dpa, Reuters)
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