China conducted military drills around Taiwan as a warning to independence forces following a speech by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. The exercises, called “Joint Sword-2024B,” involved the Chinese army, navy, air force, and rocket force testing their joint operations capability. The Chinese military approached Taiwan from different directions, emphasizing the warning to separatist acts of Taiwan Independence forces. Lai had expressed willingness to work with Beijing on global challenges, but China viewed his speech as promoting independence and increasing tensions.
Taiwan’s National Defense Ministry condemned the drills as irrational and provocative, while the Mainland Affairs Council emphasized Taiwan’s existence as the Republic of China and Lai’s commitment to peace in the Taiwan Strait. China has been escalating military activities around Taiwan, with Lai asserting that Taiwan and China were not subordinate to each other.
Chinese officials criticized Lai for promoting Taiwan independence for his own political interests and reiterated that Taiwan belongs to China. Despite the tension, a poll showed that most people in Taiwan believe an invasion by China in the next five years is unlikely. The ongoing military drills and tensions between Taiwan and China underscore the complex relationship and ongoing conflict over Taiwan’s independence and sovereignty.
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