Global community condemns China's military action near Taiwan

“China's recent unilateral provocation not only undermines the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but is also a clear provocation to the international order,” said a statement from Taiwan's presidential office. “It is a matter of grave concern and is condemned by the international community.”

The island has been self-governed since 1949, when Nationalists led by Chiang Kai-shek fled after being defeated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in a civil war.

Earlier in the day, the Taiwan Defense Ministry detected significant Chinese military presence across the country, with military aircraft and ships operating around Taiwan.

According to the ministry, 62 aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and 27 ships of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were seen operating around Taiwan.

Days after Taiwan's Lai Ching Teh was sworn in as president on May 20, China launched a two-day military exercise across the country on Thursday and Friday (May 23-24), according to Taiwan News.

China described the exercises as “punishment” of President Lai Ching-te for his stance on Taiwan independence.

State-controlled media in China said the exercises were “normal” and “necessary” but Beijing's unilateral action posed a challenge to the global order and harmed peace and stability, presidential office spokesman Kuo Ya-hui said.

He said the president and his national security team closely monitored the exercise and took necessary measures, according to Radio Taiwan International (RTI).

More recently, when an unnamed US official urged Beijing to exercise restraint on the cross-strait situation, China warned the US that efforts toward “Taiwan independence” are a “dead end” and “will only lead to adverse consequences.” It will have ramifications.

“For those who are involved in 'Taiwan independence', this will be a dead end, and supporting 'Taiwan independence' will only lead to adverse effects,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular media briefing on Friday.

Kuo said that in Lai Ching-teh's inaugural speech on May 20, he expressed hope that China would prioritize the safety and well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Quoting President Lai, Kuo said that China should stop its threats against Taiwan and the region and fulfill its global responsibility to maintain peace and stability.

“My responsibility is to defend the country and ensure the safety of all citizens,” Lai said while visiting the Marine Corps' 66th Brigade in Taoyuan for the first time as commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces.

“Faced with external challenges and threats, we will continue to defend the values ​​of freedom and democracy and safeguard regional peace and stability,” Lai said, adding that he would “stand with” all military personnel and “defend national security.”

Lai reassured all citizens and expressed confidence in the military's ability to stick to its position and work to ensure national security, Focus Taiwan reported.