China Asks US Not To Interfere With Military Exercises Around Taiwan

China (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Chinese government asked the United States not to interfere in the military exercises of the Chinese People's Implementation Army (PLA) around Taiwan.

"Taiwan is China's Taiwan, the US is not in a position to accuse China of anything," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin quoted Antara as saying.

The military exercise was held in the Taiwan Strait in the northern, southern, and eastern parts of Taiwan Island, as well as areas around Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin islands starting Thursday (23/5) morning.

Responding to the exercise, the US Department of Defense said it was "very careful monitoring".

They also considered that China's actions were "surprising, risk increasing escalation, and eroding old norms that had maintained regional peace and stability for decades while at the same time urging Beijing to exercise restraint."

"The tension in the Taiwan Strait is caused by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s efforts to seek US support for the so-called 'Taiwan independence' and the efforts of some parties in the US to use Taiwan as a tool to stem China in the name of regional peace and stability," Wang Wenbin said, quoting Antara.

If the US really wants to keep the Taiwan Strait peaceful and stable, Wang said, the US must uphold the principles of One China and oppose "Taiwan independence."

"China will never tolerate anyone's efforts to cover 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities under any pretext," he added.

Wang assessed that in recent days, political leaders in many countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of One China.

They also provide support for China's rejection of separatist activities "Taiwan independence" and support national reunification, he said.

This shows that the international community's commitment to China's One-principle principle is "unwavering", Wang said.

"Taiwan's 'independence' efforts will not yield results," he said. "Anyone who conspires and supports Taiwan's 'independence' will burn due to playing with fire."

He also emphasized that nothing could prevent China from upholding national sovereignty and the integrity of its territory.

"We will do whatever is necessary to thwart any "Taiwan independence" attempt," Wang said, asserting.

The exercise came three days after William Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was sworn in as Taiwanese leader. He is considered very persistent in fighting for Taiwanese independence.

Ching-te is described as a defender of Taiwan's democracy, but Beijing calls it "dangerous" and is part of a " separatist group" so as to trigger conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

While chaired by Tsai Ing-wen from the DPP since 2016, Taiwan has taken a tough stance against Beijing and the principles of One China. That principle confirms that Taiwan is under Beijing's rule.

China last held a massive exercise with Taiwan's total siege scenario in mid-2022 in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei.

Taiwan also deployed fighter jets and warships to guard its airspace and waters in response to China's military exercises at the time.