Desk: Tensions have once again escalated in the South China Sea due to China’s actions. On Tuesday, China began large-scale joint military exercises in Taiwan, sparking unrest in the region. According to the state news agency Xinhua, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army of China has started joint exercises around the Taiwan island. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported identifying 13 Chinese warships, 71 military aircraft, and four coast guard vessels in the vicinity.
This is the first time such extensive military exercises against Taiwan have been initiated by China since Donald Trump took oath as the U.S. President. Recently, following a crucial meeting between the United States and Japan, China took this step. During his visit to Japan, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized strengthening this partnership amid China’s growing aggression in the region. Hegseth stated that the U.S. stands with Japan in confronting China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan.
Reacting to Hegseth’s comments, China accused the United States of inflaming tensions in the region with its remarks. Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the media on Tuesday that the U.S. is exaggerating threats and using Taiwan as an excuse to provoke ideological opposition and promote a policy of division. Addressing questions related to Taiwan, he added, “We urge the American people to dispel the illusion of using Taiwan to control China.”
