China in its military exercises near Taiwan: “They will end up with their heads broken and covered in blood”

China Two days of military exercises began this Thursday “around the island of Taiwan” as “strong punishment” for “separatist acts” in this territory after the inauguration of a new president hated by Beijing. The Ministry of Defense of Taiwan It said it detected 49 Chinese aircraft as part of Beijing’s maneuvers.

“Since 07:20”, the ministry “detected 49 Chinese planes (…) of which 35 crossed the median line”, he stated, referring to the line that divides the Strait of Taiwanlocated between the island and mainland China.

LOOK: Taiwan detects 42 Chinese planes and 31 ships during the first day of military maneuvers

Considered by communist authorities as a “dangerous separatist”, Lai Ching-te assumed the presidency on Monday with a speech in which he celebrated the democracy of Taiwan It is urged China to “cease its political and military intimidation”.

Two people ride a motorcycle as a Taiwan Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter approaches to land at an Air Force base in Hsinchu, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA/AFP). (YASUYOSHI CHIBA/)

Chinawhich claims its sovereignty over this island governed separately since 1949 and which never ruled out the use of force to take control, denounced his words as a “confession of independence”.

The maneuvers began on Thursday morning with the sending of military aircraft and ships “around the island of Taiwan”to test its combat capabilities, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army announced.

“TAll separatist forces in favor of Taiwanese independence will end up with their heads broken and covered in blood before the historic event that will mean the complete reunification of the China“said the Chinese diplomacy spokesman, Wang Wenbin.

A Chinese military ship northwest of Pengjia Island, off the north coast of Taiwan, on May 23, 2024. (AFP). (FLYER/)

Taiwanese authorities responded immediately and mobilized their sea, air and land forces.

“We will continue to defend the values ​​of freedom and democracy,” said the president. Me. “I will remain on the front lines with our military brothers and sisters to defend national security together,” she added.

In coordination with the army, The Taiwan Coast Guard has deployed its fleet to “monitor movements in surrounding maritime waters” and defend “the sovereignty and security of the country with a firm attitude”.

Taiwan sent four fighter jets from Hsinchu baseabout 60 km southwest of Taipei.

In images released by the Taiwan Coast Guard on social media, Officials appear urging the Chinese ships, through a loudspeaker, to abandon the area.

“Your movements affect the order and security of our country, turn around and leave our waters as quickly as possible,” says one of them.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (C) observes the American-made Stinger air defense system during a visit to inspect military troops in Taoyuan, May 23, 2024. (Photo by Sam Yeh/AFP) . (SAM YES/)

“Strong punishment”

The exercises “take place in the Taiwan Straitto the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan,” reported the official Chinese news agency Xinhua.

According to Colonel Li Xi, army spokesman, The maneuvers represent “a strong punishment for the separatist acts of the Taiwanese independence forces”.‘ and a serious warning against interference and provocations from external forces.” With them, “real joint combat capabilities will be put to the test,” he said.

In turn, Beijing National Defense University professor Zhang Chi commented on state television CCTV that The exercises seek to “impose an economic blockade on the island”, “strangulation” Kaohsiung Port, which is of strategic interest to Taiwan.

With this blockade, “imports of vital energy to Taiwan” and “block the support that some US allies provide to the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces”, according to the academic.

“Irrational provocations”

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated sharply since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s rise to power in 2016. who, like his successor Lai, is a staunch defender of the island’s democratic model.

Beijing increased military pressure, diplomatic and economic on this island of 23 million inhabitants which, although it barely enjoys international recognition, has a government, an army and its own currency.

“China clearly feels that he needs to send a very strong message to Me and anyone who supports him,” analyst Bill Bishop wrote in his influential Sinocism newsletter.

“We expected something like this, honestly,” acknowledged the deputy commander of the US army in the region, Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, at an event in Canberra. “It’s worrying,” he added.

In August, China launched military exercises in response to then-Vice President Lai’s stop in the United States during a trip to Paraguay.

Months earlier, in April, the Chinese military pretended to surround the island after a meeting of tsai in California with then-Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.

In 2022, China carried out massive military exercises in the area after McCarthy’s predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taiwan.

Events in this area could have important economic consequences, as 70% of global semiconductor production comes from Taiwan and more than 50% of cargo containers cross the strait that separates this island from mainland China.

Source: Elcomercio