China initiates military exercises near Taiwan as a 'strong caution' following Vice President's visit to the US
In response to its dissatisfaction with the visit of Taiwan's Vice President, William Lai, to the United States, China has commenced military maneuvers around Taiwan as a "strong caution." Lai, who is a leading contender in Taiwan's forthcoming presidential election, made a stopover in New York and returned via San Francisco during his trip to Paraguay, one of the few remaining nations that diplomatically recognize Taipei.
China's depiction of Lai as a "troublemaker" led to the country vowing resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its national sovereignty. In direct response to these developments, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched joint air and sea patrols, along with naval and air force exercises, encircling Taiwan, according to military spokesperson Shi Yi as reported by state media outlet Xinhua.
The objective of these drills, Xinhua stated, was to assess the PLA's capability to gain control over air and sea spaces under real combat conditions. Additionally, the exercises were intended to issue a stern warning against the alignment of 'Taiwan independence' separatists with foreign entities, along with their provocative actions.
China's territorial claim over Taiwan, coupled with its willingness to employ force if necessary, is widely recognized. Past instances of significant military exercises have been triggered by events such as Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan during her tenure as House Speaker and President Tsai Ing-wen's interactions with top US legislators while transiting through the United States.
In response, Washington has maintained a stance of urging restraint, categorizing Lai's transit as a routine occurrence.
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