Taiwanese Vice President William Lai’s recent trip to Paraguay to strengthen diplomatic relations with his government’s last partner in South America included stops in San Francisco and New York City. The Chinese Communist Party claims Taiwan is part of its territory and says it has no right to engage in foreign relations.
A spokesman for China’s Eastern Theater Command said in a brief statement that the military exercises involved the coordination of ships and planes and their ability to take control of air and sea spaces.
They also served to test the “actual combat capabilities” of the forces, Shi Yi noted. The military exercises were a warning against provocations by foreign forces and forces sympathetic to Taiwan’s independence, he added.
The island’s Defense Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning what it said are “irrational and provocative maneuvers.” He indicated that he will deploy the appropriate forces to respond to the exercises and will take action to “safeguard freedom and democracy.”
He said his military will be ready against the threats posed by the Chinese military, adding that the Taiwanese forces have “the ability, determination and self-confidence to safeguard national security.”
FOUNTAIN: Associated Press
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