BEIJING (AP) – China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets to Taiwan , the Taiwanese government said in retaliation for a meeting between the speaker of the US House of Representatives and the president of the island’s autonomous democracy.
The Chinese military has announced the start of a three-day “combat readiness patrol” as a warning to Taiwanese who want to make the island’s de facto independence permanent. No word on whether it will include repeats of previous exercises that disrupted shipping and air traffic.
Spokesman Kevin McCarthy met with President Tsai Ing-wen in California on Thursday, joining many foreign lawmakers who have met with Tsai to voice his support in the face of China’s threats. Beijing responded on Friday by imposing travel bans and financial sanctions on US groups and individuals linked to Tsai’s US visit. The Taiwanese military said its missile defense system was activated and air and sea patrols were dispatched to pursue the Chinese plane.
“We condemn such unreasonable actions that endanger the security and stability of the region,” the Department of Defense said in a statement.
The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping has stepped up efforts to intimidate the island by flying fighter jets and bombers nearby and firing missiles into the sea.
The United States does not have official ties with Taiwan, a high-tech hub and one of the world’s largest trading companies, but maintains extensive informal and commercial ties. Washington is obliged by federal law to ensure that the island of 22 million people has the means to defend itself in the event of an attack by China. Taiwan separated from China in 1949 after a civil war. The ruling Communist Party has said the islands are obligated to forcibly return to the mainland if necessary. The Chinese government encourages Taiwanese to seek formal independence by contacting foreign officials, which the ruling party says will lead to war.
Military analysts say one possible Chinese strategy in the event of an attack is to cut off sea and air traffic to prevent the United States, Japan or other allies from intervening or sending supplies. By doing so, he suggests that it is to put pressure on Taiwan.
The People’s Liberation Army on Saturday tested its ability to command sea, air and intelligence and “create a situation of deterrence and repression,” mainland Chinese newspaper China Daily said. Taiwan and the mainland have multi-billion dollar trade and investment ties, but no formal ties.
“We will never leave room for separatist activities on ‘Taiwan independence,’” said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesman for the Cabinet’s Taiwan Secretariat, according to the Xinhua News Agency. I will teach to news agency.
“Complete reunification of our country must be achieved, and it is definitely achievable.”
