New provocation from Beijing. The devices and buildings were spotted between 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 8 (10 p.m. GMT) and the same time on Thursday, May 9, Taipei said. “Eight of the planes crossed the center line” which bisects the Taiwan Strait, a narrow 180-kilometer sea lane between the island and mainland China.
Beijing, which does not recognize this line, claims Taiwan as part of its territory and frequently sends planes and ships to its surroundings. The presence of these Chinese aircraft and buildings coincides with the passage on Wednesday of an American warship, the USS Halsey, through the strait.
“No member of the international community should be intimidated”
The destroyer of the United States “carried out a routine crossing on May 8 in waters where the freedoms of navigation on the high seas and overflight apply in accordance with international law“, communicated the US Navy on Wednesday. This crossing “demonstrates the United States’ commitment to defending freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle“, according to the same Source which adds: “No member of the international community should be intimidated or forced to abandon their rights and freedoms“.
China’s eastern military command said Wednesday evening that it had ordered its naval and air forces to “monitor the crossing of the American ship“.”The (Chinese) troops there remain on alert at all times and resolutely protect national sovereignty and security“reacted his spokesperson Li Xi in a statement. Taiwan’s new president-elect, Lai Ching-te, won the January presidential election despite warnings from Beijing that he would lead to “war and decline” of the island. Mr. Lai is to be inaugurated on May 20.
