An American magazine said that China continues its military exercises on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and Chinese army fighters and reconnaissance aircraft are penetrating the areas of coverage of Taiwan’s air defenses.
The “National Interest” magazine says that China is preparing for a war over Taiwan, noting that there are reports of Chinese military activities that appear to be ready for possible military action in the Taiwan Strait.
The magazine pointed out that a military expert from Taiwan said that the military exercises that China is conducting have an offensive character.
The magazine explained that the shape of the exercises suggests the existence of Chinese intentions to besiege Taiwan from 3 sides, noting that the presence of increasing military activities in the east direction, which enables the Chinese army to launch attacks on targets in eastern Taiwan.
China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has intensified its military activities around the island in recent months, in response to what Beijing described as “collusion” between Taipei and Washington, the most important international supporter of Taiwan.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry says that the Chinese sorties include bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads and war fighters, stressing that they send warnings to Chinese planes and deploy missiles to monitor them, according to Reuters.
Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, which is located off the southeast coast of mainland China, and sent warplanes a week after US President Joe Biden took control of the island, prompting Taiwan to take defensive measures, including monitoring Chinese flights.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last month that the one-China principle is a red line that should not be crossed on the Taiwan question, adding, “The two sides of the Taiwan Strait must be reunited.”
The Chinese army ranks 3rd in the world, while the Taiwanese army ranks number 22 among the most powerful 139 armies in the world, according to 2021 statistics, reported by the US “Global Fire Power” website.