Illustrative photo from open sources
The United States expressed "deep concern" major military exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan, the US State Department said in a statement. The document notes that the United States and allies are “closely monitoring” monitoring the actions of the PRC and coordinating their actions in connection with Chinese military activities.
"We urge Beijing to act with restraint, – the statement says. – Using a normal, routine and democratic transition as a pretext for military provocations risks escalation and undermines long-established norms that have maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for decades.
China has completed two days of military exercises around Taiwan, during which it simulated bomber attacks and practiced loading onto ships, Reuters reports. Taiwan condemned the drills as a “blatant provocation.” Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it spotted 62 Chinese military aircraft and 27 naval ships near the island on Friday, including 46 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which previously served as the unofficial border between the two sides.
Military Channel Chinese state television reported on Friday that the exercise had ended. Chinese authorities said the exercises were “punishment” for the inaugural speech of newly elected Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, in which he said that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait “are not subordinate to each other.”
Lai has repeatedly proposed negotiations with China, but was refused. He argues that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga