Ahead of Taiwan’s President pacific visit China’s military has issued a stern warning on Thursday, vowing to counter any attempts at Taiwanese secessionism as Lai Ching-te visit includes stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently rebuffed Lai’s overtures for talks, labeling him a “separatist.”
As Lai prepares to depart for his overseas visit, Beijing has warned the US not to send signals supporting Taiwan’s independence. China’s Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Wu Qian, emphasized that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is committed to safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, declaring it would “resolutely defeat all secessionist attempts” in Taiwan and prevent foreign interference. Wu also reiterated that the PLA would counter any threats from forces seeking Taiwan independence.
Taiwan, which operates as a democratically governed entity, has repeatedly offered dialogue with Beijing, but the Chinese government has rejected those proposals. In response to increasing military pressure from China, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported ongoing military activities, including joint combat readiness patrols conducted by Chinese warplanes and warships near the island. Taiwan observed 19 Chinese aircraft in the vicinity, including J-16 fighters, prompting Taiwan’s Air Force to conduct its own defense drills.
On Thursday, Taiwan’s air force conducted a regular quarterly exercise, testing air defense systems and improving response tactics. The drill was aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities considering the growing military tensions in the region.
Lai’s overseas trip, his first since assuming office in May, includes official visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau three of the 12 countries maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported that Lai will also meet with the overseas Taiwanese community and hold discussions with US think tanks during his two-night stopover in Hawaii.
Tensions have remained high throughout the year, with China conducting military exercises near Taiwan and regularly sending aircraft and warships into the island’s airspace and waters. Taiwan has also voiced concerns over Chinese surveillance balloons flying near the island, a practice Taiwan claims is meant to intimidate and provoke.
Taiwan’s presidential office condemned China’s actions, stating that using Lai’s trip as an excuse for military drills would be a “blatant provocation” and a destabilizing move in the region. Similarly, Beijing maintains that these stopovers violate the “one-China principle” and accused the US of fostering Taiwan’s independence ambitions.
