2023-04-18 09:39:07
Interpretation of dissatisfaction with the government’s ‘closeness’ to the United States
Taiwan buys 400 US missiles once morest China
The meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the US mainland heightened military tensions over the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait, with China engaging in “significant military activities” in the West Sea. Analysts say that it sent a warning signal ahead of the Korea-US summit to be held in the US on the 26th (local time). Taiwan buys 400 Harpoon surface-to-ship missiles from the United States once morest fears of a Chinese invasion.
On the 18th, China’s Qingdao Maritime Affairs Bureau announced on its website that “a ‘significant military activity’ was carried out in the West Sea from 9:00 am to noon that day.” After disclosing the coordinates of six points in the West Sea, the Maritime Affairs Bureau added, “Activities were carried out in the waters within the range connecting these points.”
Previously, during the Korea-US “Freedom Shield” joint exercise period (March 13-23), China conducted live ammunition training in the northern waters of the West Sea. This ‘significant military activity’ in the West Sea is opening at the time of the Korea-US summit, creating subtle waves. Interpretation is raised that it contains dissatisfaction with the Yoon Seok-yeol administration’s move to strengthen close contact with the United States.
A South Korean military official said, “We are closely monitoring the possible impact.” A military expert said, “The West Sea training area announced by the Chinese Maritime Administration is off the coast of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.” An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs drew the line, saying, “It is not an issue that will be linked to the Korea-US summit.”
In this situation, Taiwan is buying large quantities of Harpoon surface-to-ship missiles, the latest weapon from the United States, to counter the threat from China, Bloomberg News reported on the 17th (local time). A strong backlash from Beijing is expected.
Previously, the US State Department approved the US Department of Defense’s request to “export advanced weapons to Taiwan” in October-November 2020. This included 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS).
Correspondent Ryu Ji-young in Beijing and Correspondent Kang Gook-jin in Seoul
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