TAIPEI, Dec 30: US Senator Roger Wicker has said that China has intensified rehearsals to invade Taiwan, warning that the drills are designed to demonstrate the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) ability to impose a blockade and allow the Chinese Communist Party to coerce Taipei.
“China’s rehearsals for an invasion of Taiwan continue to intensify. These increasingly complex short-notice rehearsals are designed to demonstrate the PLA’s ability to implement a blockade of Taiwan and allow the Communist Chinese Party to coerce Taipei,” Roger said.
His statement came after China fired rockets toward Taiwan and deployed new amphibious assault ships alongside bomber aircraft and warships during its largest war games to date aimed at rehearsing a blockade.
“The United States must act with urgency by accelerating production to support recent Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan and by following through on congressionally provided Presidential Drawdown Authority and Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative funding for key military capabilities,” he said.
Roger also said that “Taiwanese allies must set aside partisan differences to fully fund President Lai’s proposed Special Defense Budget now,” and cautioned that “There is no time to waste.”
Thanking the senator for showing concern “about the possibility of a PLA blockade and PRC coercion of Taiwan,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “As a responsible regional stakeholder, we are eager to work with like-minded partners, like the US, to defend regional and global peace & stability.”
The ministry further said, “We stand firm with the Ministry of National Defence Taiwan and all front-line members of the armed forces responding to the PLA provocations around Taiwan. We condemn the CCP’s threat to regional & global peace, stability & prosperity & will meet it with preparedness, alongside our democratic partners.”
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said, “We strongly condemn the PRC’s irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace. Rapid Response Exercises are underway, with forces on high alert to defend the Republic of China and protect our people.”
Named “Justice Mission 2025,” the drills involve live-firing in five locations surrounding Taiwan and off the Chinese coast, with naval and air force units practicing strikes on maritime and aerial targets, as well as anti-submarine operations.
The exercises began 11 days after the United States announced a USD 11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan.
A senior Taiwanese security official said Taipei is monitoring whether China will fire missiles over Taiwan, as it did during previous drills in 2022.
The exercises also appear to include practice strikes on land-based targets such as US-made HIMARS rocket systems.
Meanwhile, Vice President of Paraguay Pedro Alliana said, “We categorically reject all threats made against Taiwan. We reiterate our support for our sister country. Peace and security must prevail today and always.”
Responding to the statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Well said, Mr. Vice President. We also believe in the importance of peace and security. We appreciate the solidarity of our brother country, Paraguay, and we join in the condemnation of the threats from the People’s Republic of China.”
(UNI)
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