China responds to “American provocations”, and begins military exercises near Taiwan

Sputnik – On Friday (15), China, in response to “US provocations”, will start military exercises near Taiwan.

“On April 15, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army of China sent warships, bombers, combat aircraft and other forces to conduct multi-role combat patrols and conduct naval and air maneuvers in the East China Sea on the adjacent island of Taiwan,” the Chinese command said.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian stressed that the country’s military will take all necessary measures to “thwart” foreign interference and separatist intentions on “Taiwan independence”.

The spokeswoman also stressed that US lawmakers’ visit to the island “violates the one-China principle and the three joint communiques”, while “seriously undermining the political foundations” of relations between the two countries, exacerbating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

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On Thursday (14) Taiwan media reported the arrival of a six-member US delegation to the island led by Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Menendez.

Beijing, for its part, once again expressed its dissatisfaction with any kind of official contact between the US and Taiwan, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, saying that the Americans “should respect the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint statements”, and stop any A form of “official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid going down this dangerous path.”

The US State Department recently approved a potential contract, valued at US$95 million (R$446.7 million), to provide technical support and equipment for Patriot air defense systems to Taiwan.

The agreement, approved by the United States, includes training, deployment, operation, maintenance, and support for Patriot systems and associated equipment.

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