Tensions between Beijing and Taipei continue to grow. China has started an exercise around Taiwan, with air, ground, naval and missile forces: it is taking place in nine areas: two off the east coast, three off the west coast, one in the north and three around the islands controlled by Taipei. Chinese forces focus on sea-to-air combat readiness patrols, simulation of blockades of ports and key areas, attacks against sea and land targets, and “comprehensive takeover of the battlefield.” Taiwan’s defense minister called China’s behavior “irrational and provocative.”
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The Chinese reaction is a reaction to the speech given last Thursday by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, in which he reiterated that China has “no right to represent Taiwan”. Beijing had already responded diplomatically by calling the speech provocative and dangerous, and then immediately flexed its muscles with the military exercise. The United States, meanwhile, said it was “seriously concerned”. This is what we read in a note released by the US State Department, according to which “the response of the People’s Republic of China with military provocations to a routine annual speech (the one held by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te) is unjustified and risks provoking a ‘escalation”.
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The United States urges China “to act with restraint and avoid further actions that could undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region, which are essential to regional peace and prosperity and are of international concern.” The US – continues the note – will continue to monitor the activities of the People’s Republic and coordinate with allies and partners regarding common concerns, “in compliance with its ‘one China’ policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiqués and the Six guarantees.”
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