$11.1 Billion arms sale<\/strong><\/p>\nThe exercises took place immediately after Washington approved the arms sale to Taiwan. Beijing described the decision as “blatant interference in China’s internal affairs.”<\/p>\n
The US State Department announced on December 17 that it had approved an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan. This is known as the largest arms sale in the island\u2019s history. The sale requires approval by the US Congress.<\/p>\n
The package includes $4 billion for 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and $4 billion for 60 self-propelled howitzers. Also included are “tactical mission” software, Javelin anti-tank missiles, helicopter parts, and kits to refurbish Harpoon anti-ship missiles, totaling $3 billion.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US of “militarily intervening in and obstructing China’s reunification” by sending warships to the Taiwan Strait seven decades ago.<\/p>\n
In a statement released on social media, it was stated that the US “owes China for China’s complete reunification” and Washington was asked to acknowledge the “serious consequences of arms sales to Taiwan.”<\/p>\n
It was stated that conflict with Beijing over Taiwan is “not in the interest of the US,” and Washington was urged to respect China\u2019s “core interests.”<\/p>\n
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Series of exercises<\/strong><\/p>\nThe PLA\u2019s drills are the second large-scale war games held near Taiwan this year. The PLA previously held large-scale exercises in April immediately after Taiwan leader William Lai Ching-te declared the Chinese mainland a “hostile force” and announced a series of security measures, including re-establishing the military court system in Taiwan.<\/p>\n
Meng from the PLA National Defense University said this week’s exercises were conducted in areas vital for key supplies such as energy and civilian transport routes.<\/p>\n
He noted that a drill was conducted near Keelung Port and that the PLA could effectively “close off” this strategic port in northern Taiwan.<\/p>\n
Meng said PLA activities in the south near Kaohsiung could enable a “pincer movement against [Taiwan\u2019s] most vital military base,” referring to Zuoying, the island\u2019s largest naval base.<\/p>\n
He also said exercises were conducted in an area east of Taiwan viewed as a “combat protection zone” to “prevent separatists from escaping while simultaneously blocking outside aid from arriving.”<\/p>\n
Reaction to Lai from Taiwan’s main opposition<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Taiwan administration also launched “urban resilience” drills to test its readiness for war under pressure from the PLA.<\/p>\n
In a social media post on Monday, the Taiwan administration asserted that it “strongly condemns the PRC\u2019s irrational provocations and opposes the PLA\u2019s actions that undermine regional peace.”<\/p>\n
It stated that the Taiwan military was conducting “rapid response drills.”<\/p>\n
The island’s opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun, criticized Lai in a radio interview on Monday, saying he “constantly provokes [Beijing] and crosses red lines,” adding that this “will only lead to a dead end, dragging Taiwan\u2019s 23 million people down with him.”<\/p>\n
As before, coast guard vessels from the Chinese mainland were also deployed during the PLA drills on Monday. The coast guard released footage showing its ships approaching Taiwan from the north, southwest, and east; several vessels were visible off the east coast.<\/p>\n
The Fujian coast guard, located in the mainland province facing Taiwan, said it patrolled waters surrounding Taiwan and near the Matsu and Wuqiu islands, which are close to Fujian but administered by Taipei.<\/p>\n