Taiwan has condemned China’s military exercises off its southwest coast, describing them as “provocative” and threatening regional peace and stability. The exercises, which included 32 Chinese military aircraft and warships in the Taiwan Strait area, were allegedly carried out without prior warning.
The drills were seen as a blatant provocation by Taiwan’s defense ministry, which accused China of violating international practice and endangering the safety of international flights and shipping. Taiwanese forces were dispatched to monitor the situation, but Chinese forces left the drill zone mid-afternoon.
China has not announced any military exercises, but senior leader Wang Huning vowed “reunification” efforts with Taiwan. The Taiwanese government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future.
The incidents come as tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, with China viewing the island as its own territory. Taiwan has repeatedly complained of Chinese military activities in the region, including full-scale war games during the past three years.
The drills have sparked concerns about the safety of sea cables off Taiwan’s southwest coast, which were recently severed by a Chinese-linked cargo ship. Taiwan and China traded barbs over the incident, with Beijing accusing Taiwan of “manipulating” facts before the situation was clear.
Taiwan’s government has pointed to similarities between its experiences and damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The incidents highlight the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, with implications for regional peace and stability.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-flags-chinas-shooting-drills-off-southwest-coast-2025-02-26