There are growing concerns that China could follow Russia’s lead in Ukraine in Taiwan. In response to a visit by a senior US delegation to Taipei, Beijing is militarily stoking tensions.
With military maneuvers around Taiwan, China is increasing the pressure on the democratic island republic and the USA.
After a statement about the exercises by the People’s Liberation Army, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in Beijing on Friday that the maneuvers were “a counter-reaction to negative US action and the recent visit by US senators” to Taiwan.
He was referring to the surprise visit to Taipei by a US Congressional delegation led by influential Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday. China regards Taiwan only as part of the People’s Republic and firmly rejects such official contacts between its diplomatic partners and the government in Taipei.
China: Attacks also practiced during maneuvers
According to Chinese military information, attacks were also practiced during the maneuvers in the sea area and airspace around Taiwan. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there have been growing fears that Beijing, too, could carry out its repeated threats to conquer the island. The US has long since committed itself to Taiwan’s defense capability and is supplying arms.
With their visit, the US congressmen want to demonstrate the US’ “rock-solid” support for Taiwan. At the meeting with President Tsai, Senator Graham sharply criticized Beijing and also referred to its political backing for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Ukraine war.
“We’re starting with China paying a higher price for what it’s doing around the world,” Graham said. “Support for Putin must come at a cost.” The senator assured that the US would stand by Taiwan should China step up its provocations. Giving up Taiwan means giving up democracy, freedom and free trade, the senator said.
Taiwan: Strengthen democratic alliances
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine proves that democracies need to strengthen their alliances,” Taiwan’s president said. “Together we can defend ourselves against the threats of authoritarian systems that want to disrupt regional peace.”
Despite China’s saber-rattling, Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesman accused the United States of being to blame for tensions between China and Taiwan because it supports Taiwanese “independence forces.” “Whoever plays with fire will end up burning themselves.” The Taiwan question is an “internal matter” of China, which does not allow foreign interference.
Source: Stern
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