Australia warns China over massive breaches of Taiwan’s air defence zone
China not only sent 56 warplanes into Taiwan’s defence zone on Monday, following 16 on Sunday, 39 on Saturday, and 38 on Friday but also gloated about it in the Chinese media.
The missions continued over four consecutive days – following more than a year of Chinese breaches of Taiwan’s airspace – saw J-16 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers fly into an area near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.
Many countries of the World condemned this action of China. Even Australia joined the United States in condemning China against this outright violation of Taiwan’s airspace over recent days, which saw almost 150 Chinese bombers and fighter jets threaten the densely populated Republic of Taiwan. So far this has been the largest ever incursion by China’s air force into Taiwanese airspace.
Communist China and Taiwan were divided into two independent countries during the Chinese Civil war between the Chinese Nationalist, known as the Kuomintang, and the Chinese Communist Party during the 1940s. After withdrawing its forces to Taiwan in 1949, the Kuomintang formed the Republic of China – the official name for Taiwan, while still claiming sovereignty over mainland China.
The Chinese Communist Party of China established its own independent country and similarly also claims sovereignty over the Island of Taiwan. The Chinese Communists say that Taiwan is not a country but an errant Chinese province which will eventually be rejoined with the PRC, by force if necessary, under its official ‘one-China policy’.
Following aggressive statements from china, the Australian government raised concerns on Monday night about the incursions and warned against “the threat or use of force”.
On Monday night a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that Canberra wanted “an Indo-Pacific region that is secure, prosperous and based on the rule of law”.
“Australia is concerned by China’s increased air incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone over the past week.
“Resolution of differences over Taiwan and other regional issues must be achieved peacefully through dialogue and without the threat or use of force or coercion.”
The statement follows last month’s AUSMIN talks held in Washington between US Secretary of State Andrew Blinken and Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne.
During the regularly held bilateral talks Mr Blinken and Ms Payne flagged plans “to strengthen ties with Taiwan”, which they described as “a leading democracy and a critical partner for both countries”.
They also reiterated support for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation in international organisations”.
The increasing breaches of Taiwanese sovereignty over the last few days led to Taiwan demands that China stop “irresponsible provocative actions” as it labelled Beijing the “chief culprit” for recent tensions.
“China is the culprit for causing tensions between the two sides of the (Taiwan) Strait and it has further threatened regional security and order,” said a spokesperson Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan’s top China thinktank.
The spokesperson added Taiwan “will never compromise and yield” to threats.
Predictably, China has blamed the United States for the ratcheting up of tensions over Taiwan which the People’s Republic considers a breakaway province rather than a sovereign state.
“Engaging in Taiwan independence is a dead end. China will take all steps needed and firmly smash any Taiwan independence plots,” a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Minister said.
“China’s determination and will to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.”
The comments came after a statement from US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price in which he said China’s actions were “destabilizing, risk miscalculations, and undermine regional peace and stability”.
Mr Price also emphasised the US would keep to its commitments to Taiwan as outlined in the Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances.
“The US commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.
“We will continue to stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values and deepen our ties with democratic Taiwan,” he said.
The standoff between Communist China and Taiwan is going to end only when countries like India start establishing full diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and the Tibetan Government in Exile.
