Beijing: China announced on Wednesday that it has lodged formal protests following expressions of concern from Japan, Australia, and the European Union regarding its recent military exercises around Taiwan conducted on Monday and Tuesday. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian conveyed that Beijing 'firmly opposes this and has lodged stern representations' concerning the reactions from these countries and institutions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lin criticized these entities for ignoring what he described as the 'Taiwan independence' forces' attempts to seek independence through external interference. He accused them of making 'irresponsible comments' on China's actions aimed at safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Lin labeled these actions as hypocritical, suggesting that they invert right and wrong and confuse truth with falsehood.
The military exercises, dubbed 'Justice Mission 2025,' involved the deployment of naval and coast guard vessels, military jets, drones, and rocket fire around Taiwan. This was presented as a 'stern warning against Taiwan separatist forces' and came in the wake of the US approving a significant arms sale to Taiwan worth over $11 billion. Taiwan's leader, William Lai Ching-te, responded by criticizing China's drills as not reflective of responsible global power behavior, emphasizing that Taiwan would not engage in provoking confrontation or conflict with China.
Japan's response, articulated by Foreign Ministry press secretary Kitamura Toshihiro, expressed concerns that the Chinese military exercises increased tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Kitamura reiterated Japan's consistent position advocating for peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue through dialogue, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the strait for the international community.
The European Union, through spokesperson Anitta Hipper, echoed similar concerns, stating that the military exercises further heightened cross-strait tensions and posed threats to international peace and stability. The EU underscored the strategic importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for regional and global security and prosperity.
New Zealand and Australia also expressed their apprehensions. New Zealand's Foreign Ministry called for peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while Australia's Foreign Ministry labeled the exercises as deeply concerning and destabilizing, warning against unilateral actions that could alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
The Philippines' Defense Department, represented by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, also voiced deep concerns, emphasizing the need for self-restraint and adherence to international law to maintain regional peace and stability.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported detecting significant Chinese military activity around the island, including aircraft, naval vessels, and other official ships. The ministry assured that it was monitoring the situation and responding accordingly.
The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command spokesperson, Li Xi, declared the drills a success, asserting that the exercises tested the integrated joint operations capabilities of Chinese troops. Li stated that China's military would remain vigilant, continue strengthening combat readiness, and resolutely thwart attempts by 'Taiwan Independence' separatists and external intervention to ensure national sovereignty and territorial integrity.