The Asia-Pacific region remains a powder keg. Amid tensions with China, Taiwan is showing its defenses by holding another military drill with live ammunition. Meanwhile, US top politician Nancy Pelosi justified her controversial visit to Taiwan.
Taiwan has again held a military exercise to ward off a possible attack amid massive tensions with China. As on Tuesday, live artillery shells and flares were fired in Taiwan’s southernmost district of Pingtung on Thursday, an army spokesman told the AFP news agency. The exercise lasted about an hour. As on Tuesday, hundreds of soldiers took part.
China began the largest military maneuvers in its history in the waters around Taiwan last week after US top politician Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. The Chinese army has meanwhile indicated that the maneuvers have ended. She said Wednesday that she had “successfully completed various assignments” in the Strait between China and Taiwan. The armed forces would “continue to hold military exercises and prepare for war”.
Pelosi defends her visit to Taiwan
Pelosi, meanwhile, has defended her visit to Taiwan after critics accused her of fueling tensions in the region. She was “very proud” of her delegation, said the chair of the US House of Representatives and party friend of President Joe Biden in Washington. China used her visit as a “pretext” for military exercises. “We will not allow China to isolate Taiwan,” Pelosi said.
Since the split between China and Taiwan in 1949, Beijing has viewed the island as a breakaway territory that it wants to reunite with the mainland – if necessary, using military force. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has fueled fears that Beijing could use a similar approach in its dealings with Taiwan.
China wants to assert its claim to Taiwan by force if necessary
A new policy paper on Wednesday, in which the Chinese government affirmed that it intends to enforce its claim to Taiwan by force if necessary, caused further tension. China will “leave no room whatsoever for separatist activities of any kind,” according to a white paper released by Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office.
The Chinese government is “ready to create ample space for peaceful reunification,” the white paper continues. However, she will “not renounce the use of force” and reserve the right to “take all necessary measures”.
Source: Stern
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