Tensions escalate as China holds military exercises near Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen visits the US

Key Takeaways

. The People’s Liberation Army of China held a large-scale military exercise near Taiwan
. The development comes in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US
. While Washington sent a US Navy destroyer to Chinese-claimed waters, Russia backed Beijing

China military exercise, Tensions escalate as China holds military exercises near Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen visits the US

YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — In a sign of escalated tensions between China and Taiwan, Beijing began conducting large-scale military exercises near the neighboring self-governing island. The development comes in response to the recent visit of the Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen, to the United States. 

The Defense Ministry of Taiwan reported violations of its airspace through a post on Twitter. 

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense spotted several Chinese war planes and vessels near its borders
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense spotted several Chinese warplanes and vessels near its borders.

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China throws military might latest exercises

China deployed several warships and fighter jets in a massive show of military might in its latest attempt to send a message to Taipei and Washington. According to local reports, Beijing sent over 70 warplanes into Taiwan’s airspace as part of the latest military exercises. 

Moreover, the Chinese Navy allegedly sent more than ten military warships to surround the unrecognized island nation to intimidate it. Military experts view these exercises as a simulation of a naval blockade. 

Last month, China issued threats against the United States after the Taiwanese president received a warm welcome in New York on the way to her 10-day visit to friendly Central American nations, Guatemala and Belize.

Ignoring the warnings coming from Beijing, Kevin McCarthy, the US House of Representatives speaker, met Tsi in California earlier this month.

“The friendship between the people of Taiwan and America is a matter of profound importance to the free world,” McCarthy declared during the meeting. 

The response from the Chinese Government was not delayed. 

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the number three in the US government, had a high-profile meeting with Tsai. It seriously infringes upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity… China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it,”  

China’s foreign ministry announced

Adding action to its words, the Chinese Government quickly announced the three-day “combat readiness patrols” named Joint Sword.

Last November, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered his armed forces to prepare for a full-scale war. Fearing an invasion, Taiwan had also called for improved combat preparedness among its defense forces. 

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US Sends warships to warn China.

Responding strongly to the latest Chinese military exercises, the United States sent a Navy destroyer to areas in the South China Sea claimed by Beijing. The deployment of the 7th Fleet Destroyer comes as a warning to China. Washington has constantly expressed its readiness to defend Taiwan and other allies if China launches a full-scale attack. 

The US Navy once again showed its support for Taiwan in the face of fresh Chinese provocations
The US Navy once again supported Taiwan despite fresh Chinese provocations.

Announcing the “freedom of navigation” operation, the US Seventh Fleet directed a strongly-worded message at Beijing. 

“These operations demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows — regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events,” 

the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Government announced that the US Navy destroyer USS Milius had “illegally trespassed” into its waters. According to the statement, the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army tracked the destroyer near the Meiji Reef (Mischief Reef). 

China announced that the US Navy destroyer had violated its territory in the South China Sea
China announced that the US Navy destroyer had violated its territory in the South China Sea.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry also stated that it is committed and ready to defend itself against any attack. 

“Air defense units of ROC Armed Forces remain on high alert for contingencies, steadfastly maintaining their posts 24/7, showing that we can and we will defend our skies. And we will never give up our beliefs,” 

the statement reads. 

Russia Backs Chinese Military Exercises

While the United States condemned the latest exercises by the Chinese Army, Beijing received strong-worded support from Russia.

Talking to reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed China has every right to conduct the drills. He further blamed Washington for continuously provoking Beijing through various actions.

“In a very short period of time, you and I have witnessed repeated actions that have been provocative toward the People’s Republic of China. China has the sovereign right to respond to these provocative actions, including conducting military maneuvers in strict compliance with international law,”

Peskov said.

With China strengthening ties with Russia, tensions between Washington and Beijing have increased recently. However, it is unlikely that Xi Jinping will initiate any military aggression soon. However, if he does, the Biden Administration will have to manage to support both Ukraine and Taiwan simultaneously. 

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