China simulates hitting key targets on Taiwan

CHINA has simulated precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan and its surrounding waters during a second day of military drills.

The drills’ which Beijing has called a stern warning to the self- governing island, are a response to Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing- wen visiting America last week.

As the Chinese military simulated an encirclement of the island, America urged China to show restraint.

Taiwan said about 70 Chinese aircraft flew around the island yesterday. Eleven Chinese ships were also spotted.

On Saturday, Taiwan said that 45 warplanes either crossed the Taiwan Strait median line the unofficial dividing line between Taiwanese and Chinese territory - or flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.

The operation, dubbed “Joint Sword” by Beijing, will continue until today. Taiwanese officials have been enraged by the operation.

On Saturday, defence officials in Taipei accused Beijing of using Tsai’s America visit as an excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined peace, stability and security in the region.

On day one of the drills, one of China’s ships fired a round as it sailed near Pingtan Island, China’s closest point to Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, which runs the Coast Guard, issued video footage showing one of its ships shadowing a Chinese warship, though did not provide a location.

In the footage, a sailor was heard telling the Chinese ship through a radio: “You are seriously harming regional peace, stability and security. Please immediately turn around and leave. If you continue to proceed we will take expulsion measures.” Other footage showed a Taiwanese warship, the Di Hua, accompanying the Coast Guard ship in what the Coast Guard officer calls a standoff with the Chinese vessel.

While the Chinese exercises ended by sundown on Saturday evening, defence officials in Taipei said fighter jet sorties started again early yesterday.

America state department officials have urged China not to exploit Tsai’s America visit, and ha ve called for restraint and no change to the status quo.

A state department spokesperson said the America was monitoring Beijing’s actions closely and insisted it had sufficient resources and capabilities in the region to ensure peace and stability and to meet their national security commitments.

America severed diplomatic ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing in 1979, but it is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

American President, Joe Biden has said on several occasions that America would intervene if China attacks the island, but America messaging has been murky.

At Wednesday’s meeting in California, Tsai thanked America House Speaker, Kevin Mccarthy for the country’s unwavering support, saying it helped reassure the people of Taiwan that they are not isolated and not alone.

Mccarthy had originally planned to go to Taiwan himself, but opted instead to hold the meeting in

California to avoid inflaming tensions with China.

Chinese state media said the military drills, which are due to run until today, would simultaneously organise patrols and advances around Taiwan island, shaping an all- round encirclement and deterrence posture.

It added that long- range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers and refuellers” had all been deployed by China’s military.

But in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, residents seemed unperturbed by China’s latest manoeuvres.

“I think many Taiwanese have gotten used to it by now, the feeling is like, here we go again!” Jim Tsai said.

Meanwhile, Michael

Chuang said: “China seems to like doing it, circling Taiwan like it’s theirs. I am used to it now.

“If they invade we can’t escape anyway. We’ll see what the future holds and go from there.”

Taiwan’s status has been ambiguous since 1949, when the Chinese Civil War turned in favour of the Chinese Communist Party and the country’s old ruling government retreated to the island.

Taiwan has since considered itself a sovereign state, with its own constitution and leaders. China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing’s control by force, if necessary.

China’s President, Xi Jinping said reunification with Taiwan must be fulfilled.