"Unnecessary Regional Tension Escalation"
The Taiwanese government has appealed to the international community to cooperate in halting China's military activities in the nearby waters.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on its website on the 11th, "In response to China's military activities around the First Island Chain (Okinawa?Taiwan?Philippines?Malacca Strait), we urge the international community to cooperate in maintaining peace and stability."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan claimed, "China has deployed naval and coast guard vessels along the First Island Chain and conducted military exercises over the past few days," adding, "Military aircraft have also been mobilized to harass Taiwan, unnecessarily escalating regional tensions."
It continued, "China's military activities unilaterally undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and disrupt international maritime transportation and trade," demanding that these 'unreasonable actions' be stopped.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We sternly demand that China immediately cease actions that violate international law and act as a responsible major power," and "We call on democratic partners worldwide to stand with Taiwan against dictatorial expansionism."
Major foreign media outlets interpreted that China's military exercises were conducted following increased diplomatic contacts between Taiwan and the United States, including Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's visits to Hawaii and Guam last week.
On the 9th, the Taiwanese military announced that the Chinese military has established seven no-fly zones east of eastern Zhejiang Province and southeastern Fujian Province and dispatched about 60 naval vessels and approximately 30 coast guard ships?totaling around 90 vessels?to waters near Taiwan, engaging in 'gray zone provocations.' Taiwan has raised its alert level to the highest and is conducting response drills.
The Chinese government has stated its position to take 'necessary measures' to prevent Taiwan's independence. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, China's agency responsible for Taiwan affairs, said, "We are highly vigilant against the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces colluding with external forces to provoke independence, and we will never tolerate it."
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