Taipei [Taiwan], December 12: Taiwan on Wednesday called on China to immediately halt its military activities in the island's surrounding waters following several days of increased sightings of Chinese naval vessels and official ships.
Since Monday, Taiwan has observed a significantly increased presence of Chinese military units around the island and along the so-called "First Island Chain," which refers to the maritime region between mainland China and a series of islands along the East Asian coast, including Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and parts of Indonesia.
On Wednesday, Taiwan's Defence Ministry reported 53 Chinese warplanes, 11 Chinese Navy vessels and eight official ships operating around the self-governing island within 24 hours.
"We have monitored the situation and responded," the Taiwan Defence Ministry said.
On Tuesday, the Defence Ministry said that it had registered 47 Chinese warplanes, 12 Chinese Navy vessels, and nine Chinese official ships operating around Taiwan within 24 hours.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged China to "immediately stop military intimidation and all irrational actions that jeopardize regional peace and stability." In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that China's actions unilaterally jeopardize peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, unnecessarily heighten regional tensions, and have already caused disruptions to international shipping and trade.
China has repeatedly conducted military exercises in the region, most recently in May following the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and in October after his National Day address. While Taiwan has noted heightened Chinese activity, Beijing has not announced any official exercises this time. However, a reaction to President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to Taiwan's three South Pacific allies had been expected. Lai garnered international attention last week with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, both US territories.
Source: Qatar Tribune
