Taiwan has called on China to halt its ongoing military operations in the Taiwan Strait, which it claims are destabilizing the region and disrupting international shipping. The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing concern over the presence of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels near Taiwan and along the first-island chain, which includes Japan, Taiwan, and parts of the Philippines. Taiwan strongly condemned these actions as attempts to assert China’s territorial claims and demanded the cessation of military intimidation.
The operations, which Taiwan considers a form of military intimidation, have been ongoing since Monday, with Chinese naval vessels reportedly forming two walls along key maritime routes. Additionally, China has imposed airspace restrictions off its southeast coast, suggesting military drills, though these have not been officially confirmed by the People’s Liberation Army.
The increased Chinese military activity follows Taiwan’s recent diplomatic engagements, including President Lai Ching-te’s visits to Hawaii and Guam. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, opposes Taiwan’s official interactions with foreign governments, especially those of the United States. In response, a Chinese spokesperson reiterated the government’s stance on defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that it would take necessary measures to safeguard the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.
