China reaffirms stance on Taiwan after military drills
China conducted exercises near Taiwan‚ stating it wont rule out force. Taiwan officials claim the drills backfired due to global criticism. President Xi visited an island facing Taiwan emphasizing cultural ties
China staged fresh military exercises around Taiwan on 10/14/24 following Taiwan President Lai Ching-tes national day address on 10/10/24. The Chinese government reaffirmed its position on Taiwan saying it wont promise to avoid using force.
Chen Binhua‚ a spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office stated‚ “We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and endeavour“ He added “But we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force“ Chen emphasized that this stance is directed at “external forces“ and a small group of Taiwan separatists not the majority of Taiwans population.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Dongshan island in Fujian province on 10/15/24. This island which faces Taiwan was the site of a Chinese victory against a Taiwan-based military invasion attempt roughly 71 years ago. Xi urged officials to promote cross-strait cultural exchanges and “enhance the ethnic cultural and national identity of Taiwan compatriots“ according to Xinhua news agency.
Taiwanʼs government maintains its rejection of Chinaʼs sovereignty claims. Tsai Ming-yen‚ Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General‚ suggested that Chinaʼs military exercises had a counterproductive effect: “The Chinese communists military exercise has created a negative effect in that it made the international community more supportive of Taiwan“
In his 10/10/24 speech‚ President Lai stated that China has no right to represent Taiwan but expressed willingness to collaborate on global challenges like climate change. Chen dismissed Lais remarks saying‚ “There was no goodwill to speak of“ and that Lai stuck to his “stubborn separatist position“
Taiwanʼs defense ministry reported detecting 22 Chinese military aircraft and 5 navy ships around Taiwan in a 24-hour period. The ministry stated in a report to lawmakers that China was attempting to:
- Legitimise the use of force against Taiwan
- Undermine military morale
- “Deplete the militarys combat power“
The ministry added‚ “In response to the severity of the enemy threat the military continues to maintain a high degree of vigilance and make every effort to improve training and preparedness“
China has maintained a near-daily presence of warships and warplanes in the waters and skies around Taiwan for about 5 years. The situation in the Taiwan Strait continues to be a source of international concern as tensions between China and Taiwan persist
