China Asserts Control Over Taiwan, Trump Ignores Concerns
China continued its large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, with live-fire drills reported by the Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday. The exercises were conducted in response to a major US arms sale to Taiwan. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, approximately 90 Chinese military aircraft crossed into sensitive zones monitored by Taiwan, while 14 PLA warships were also sighted in the surrounding waters.
These military exercises have heightened tensions in the region. However, Donald Trump dismissed the exercises as a continuation of China's long-standing military activity, responding to reporters' questions by saying, "I have a good relationship with President Xi and he hasn't told me anything about this." Despite observing the exercises, Trump appeared to be trying to ease tensions by emphasizing his good relationship with President Xi Jinping.
The "Justice Mission-2025" exercises began on Monday and are China's largest exercises around Taiwan since last April. The exercises are intended to send a stern warning against "Taiwan Independence" separatist forces and foreign interference. The drills come after the US announced one of its largest arms packages for Taiwan, worth $11 billion, largely comprising weapons Taiwan already possesses.
China, which considers Taiwan a province it must control, views US arms sales as increasing the risk of clashes with other superpowers. In response, Beijing announced symbolic sanctions against 20 US defense companies and 10 executives, further deteriorating relations between the two countries.
The PLA's blockade during these drills also cut into Taiwan's territorial waters for the first time since 2022. Although Taiwan's international flights were operating normally, several domestic flights from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday were canceled or rescheduled, avoiding the drill area.
Key Points:
- China continues large-scale live-fire military exercises around Taiwan.
- Trump has dismissed the Chinese exercises as normal military activity, emphasizing his good relationship with Xi Jinping.
- China's military exercises began in response to US arms sales to Taiwan.
- Beijing has escalated tensions by announcing symbolic sanctions against US companies and executives.
- PLA military exercises cut into Taiwan's territorial waters, affecting domestic and international flights. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
