Taiwan President On China Wargames
“The international community will not accept any country creating waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability.” That’s what Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said after China ended two days of war games around Taiwan. The “punishment drills” as China dubbed them simulated attacks that Taiwan condemned as a “blatant provocation”. Subsequently, the President had thanked the United States and other countries for their expressions of concern about the exercises.
But, the Taiwanese President also reiterated his offer of talks with China. In addition, he said he looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation. In contrast, a belligerent China considers democratically-governed Taiwan part of its territory. Beijing carried out two-day military drills, in fact, saying it was “punishment”. In fact, the wargames were obviously timed for just after Lai’s inauguration speech. Beijing reacted to his speech saying it was another push for the island’s formal independence. China has repeatedly verbally attacked Lai, calling him a “separatist”. Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. He says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. The President has repeatedly offered talks but has been rebuffed.
The President was speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the southern city of Tainan. Lai called on China to “share the heavy responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan”. These comments were provided by his party. Lai won the Taiwanese Presidential election in January. At the meeting, he also said he “looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation with China via exchanges and cooperation. And creating mutual benefit and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity”.
The U.S. has said it is “deeply concerned” over the drills. The State Department strongly urged China to act with restraint. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to the U.S statement. “The root cause of the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait lies in the attempts of the DPP (Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party) authorities to use the United States to seek independence,” he said. Adding, “Some forces in the United States, under the guise of maintaining regional peace and stability are attempting to use Taiwan to control China.”
Wang added that “If the U.S. really wants to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it should unequivocally adhere to the one-China principle. And oppose the secession of Taiwan for independence.” A public relations officer of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet said it was paying attention to “all of the activities” in the Indo-Pacific and takes “very seriously” the responsibility to deter aggression in the region.
China staged two days of mock missile strikes and flew fighter jets carrying live missiles and bombers during the drills. “We conducted integrated operations inside and outside the island chain to test capabilities for jointly taking control of the battlefield. And launch joint strikes to seize control of crucial areas,” a spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command said earlier. The spokesperson said the drills serve as a strong punishment for the separatist acts of “Taiwan independence” forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces.
Taiwan and the United States have no official diplomatic relationship. But, Washington is bound by its laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
(With Reuters Inputs)
