China launched military maneuvers around Taiwan on Thursday, a “severe punishment” according to it three days after the inauguration speech of the new Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te, which it considers a “confession of independence”.
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It’s about a ” severe punishment for the separatist acts of the independence forces of Taiwan and a stern warning against interference and provocation by external forces », According to Li Xi, the spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese army, quoted by the official Xinhua news agency.
“ The exercises are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, north, south and east of the island of Taiwan, as well as areas around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin », indicated Chine Nouvelle, specifying that the exercises, planned for two days, had started at 7:45 a.m. (11:45 p.m. GMT Wednesday). These maneuvers involve the army, navy, air force and rocket unit, according to Li Xi.
The objective is to “ test the joint real combat capabilities of the command forces “, he also indicated according to New China, through “ sea-to-air combat readiness patrols, taking control of the entire battlefield and precision strikes on key targets “.
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China this week described the inauguration speech of new Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as “ recognition of Taiwan’s independence » and had threatened to “ reprisals “. Beijing considers the democratically governed island to be part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
Mr. Lai, whom Beijing described as “ dangerous separatist » in the past, was sworn in on Monday on the island. He promised to defend democracy there in the face of Chinese threats and called on China to “ stop its political and military intimidation “. He also spoke directly about the risk of war after years of increasing pressure from China to bring Taiwan under its control.
Taiwanese separatists will be pilloried of shame for history », Commented Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.
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