South Korea Claims KADIZ Violation as Scheduled Joint Exercise Between China and Russia
China's Taiwan Strait Drills, Warning: "Waiting for the Moment to Intervene"
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese state media published an article stating that the United States is responsible for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula following North Korea's launch of three ballistic missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Global Times published this article on the 26th regarding North Korea's missile provocations on the 25th. The media reported that U.S. President Joe Biden, by emphasizing security alliances such as the Quad (United States, Japan, Australia, India), provoked North Korea. It explained that China, Russia, and North Korea are closely monitoring U.S. movements, and North Korea will respond firmly to protect their interests.
Global Times cited experts warning that external (U.S.) intervention could destabilize Northeast Asia and even lead to military risks.
Lu Chao, a researcher on Korean Peninsula issues at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, said that President Biden's mention of nuclear extended deterrence and expanded South Korea-U.S. joint exercises during his visit to South Korea provoked North Korea, which expressed its dissatisfaction through missile launches. Lu further pointed out that the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the deterioration of inter-Korean relations are entirely the responsibility of the United States.
Regarding the intrusion of Chinese and Russian military aircraft into the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) near Dokdo, Global Times claimed it was a scheduled joint exercise between China and Russia and not aimed at the Quad summit. The media warned that although the joint flight training was not intended for the Quad, if provocations by the U.S. and Japan continue, military cooperation between China and Russia could strengthen.
On the morning and afternoon of the 24th, two Chinese H-6 strategic bombers, two Russian TU-95 bombers, and two fighter jets deliberately intruded into the KADIZ.
The media also pointed out that the tension in the Taiwan Strait is the responsibility of the United States. It targeted Japan, accusing it of repeatedly testing China's core interests by mentioning joint defense of Taiwan.
Da Zegang, director of the Northeast Asia Research Institute at the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, explained, "Japan maintains a close relationship with the United States to strengthen its regional position, including military power," adding, "Japan's actions related to Taiwan are calculated."
Global Times warned that China, Russia, and North Korea are determined to defend their sovereignty and interests, and that tensions in Northeast Asia could escalate into a bloc confrontation. It also reiterated a warning that if the U.S. uses Northeast Asian tensions as a pretext to promote NATO's Asia expansion or an Asian version of NATO, the situation could become even more dangerous.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced that it will conduct large-scale military exercises in the waters and airspace of the Taiwan Strait.
Tankerfei, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, sternly warned the United States and Taiwan, saying, "We (China) oppose any form of official exchanges or military ties between the United States and Taiwan," and added, "Pursuing Taiwan independence or supporting Taiwan independence is a dead end." He further stated, "The United States will use Taiwan to contain China for the time being," and added that the Chinese People's Liberation Army is waiting for the moment to take measures to block external interference and separatists (independence advocates)."
This large-scale military exercise near the Taiwan Strait is presumed to have been arranged following President Biden's statement that the U.S. would militarily intervene if Taiwan were attacked by mainland China.
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