TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The foreign ministry on Wednesday condemned a planned Chinese military exercise in waters east of Taiwan scheduled later this month.
The ministry said in a statement that China has once again disregarded “international norms and responsibilities” and escalated regional tensions. The ministry added that it asked Indonesia and other “relevant parties” to clarify the situation.
The ministry said that China is the only party near the First Island Chain to be “engaging in such malicious, provocative, and irresponsible unilateral actions that bring instability and threats to the region.” It pledged to continue defending Taiwan’s territory and safeguard its “sovereign rights in its eastern waters.”
It also vowed to cooperate with regional partners to maintain freedom of navigation and regional security.
The Chinese defense ministry said on Tuesday that it would conduct “a naval navigation exercise” that includes “communications exercises and maritime replenishment operations.” It said “the exercise aims to enhance the two navies' joint operational capabilities, deepen practical cooperation and maintain peace and stability in the region.
The planned exercise follows an increase in Chinese gray zone and military activities near Taiwan’s eastern waters. In late July, Chinese coast guard vessels, the Xiushan and Chongming, were found 280 kilometers and 80 km east of Lanyu, respectively. The Chinese coast guard claimed they were conducting a routine law enforcement mission.
In early June, five Chinese government vessels operating off eastern Taiwan broadcast false radio messages asserting jurisdiction to passing merchant ships. The vessels contacted three passing merchant ships to request information such as ports of departure and destination and crew numbers. Taiwan Coast Guard vessels responded by warning the ships that China was breaching international law and that there was no need to respond.
National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said in July that China has deployed more than 110 military and coast guard ships along the First Island Chain, which is a record. China’s “massive military mobilization” along the First Island Chain is a clear sign of its expansionism, Wu said.
Taiwan is currently carrying out its 10-day Han Kuang exercise. Part of the exercise will assess whether Taiwan can keep key shipping routes open and safely deliver essential supplies. The Navy and Coast Guard will hold joint live-fire drills, including coastal defense operations, maritime law enforcement, and protection of supply ships.
