China has rejected the notion of a \”median line\” in the turbulent Taiwan Strait following a report from Taiwan\’s defense ministry, which indicated that 103 Chinese warplanes encircled the self-governing island over a 24-hour period.
The Chinese Communist Party, which has consistently asserted that Taiwan must be reunified with the Chinese mainland, even if it requires the use of force, refrained from offering any comments on its recent military activities.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning remarked, \”To begin with, this isn\’t a matter concerning foreign affairs. I suggest referring to competent Chinese authorities for specific details.\” When confronted with Taiwan\’s claim that 40 of the 103 Chinese People’s Liberation Army warplanes had crossed the \”median line\” in the Taiwan Strait, she firmly stated, \”Allow me to clarify that Taiwan is an integral part of China\’s territory. There is no so-called \’median line\’ in the Taiwan Strait.\”
China considers Taiwan, a democratically governed island with a population of 24 million, as an inalienable part of its territory, despite never having governed it.
The recent upswing in military actions, with 40 Chinese warplanes breaching the \”median line\” and entering Taiwan\’s self-declared air defense identification zone (ADIZ), prompted Taiwan\’s defense ministry to respond with combat air patrols, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems.
These incursions represent a significant escalation and pose a \”serious challenge\” to security in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region, according to Taiwan\’s defense ministry. They cautioned that continued Chinese military harassment could lead to heightened tensions and worsen regional security, urging Beijing to immediately cease such disruptive and unilateral actions.
China\’s military actions came shortly after it imposed sanctions on two US defense companies, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman, for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. Despite China\’s strong opposition, the US government continued to supply weapons to Taiwan, further exacerbating the situation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao reiterated China\’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. She called on the United States to adhere to the one-China principle, the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, cease arms sales to Taiwan, halt military collaboration with Taiwan, and cease arming Taiwan. She issued a stern warning that China would respond resolutely if these actions persisted.
