Do Not Test Our Determination. China Escalates War Rhetoric Over Taiwan
Published at : December 31, 2021
China ratcheted up its war rhetoric against Taiwan on Friday, a day after hinting that it believes President Joe Biden will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor in taking a confrontational stance.
In an editorial, the Chinese state news outlet Global Times warned, "Do not overestimate or underestimate the Chinese mainland's will and will to protect its territorial integrity and to harshly punish the irresponsible conduct of 'Taiwan independence' forces." "It is predicted that armed conflicts will be generated across the Taiwan Straits if the island of Taiwan and the United States regard the previous US administration's last-minute moves as a fresh starting point of their ties and continue to pursue 'Taiwan independence.'"
The threat signals a major escalation in Beijing's position in recent days, following increased military activities in the region surrounding Taiwan by China, the US, and its allies.
Although the channel is not a direct megaphone for the Chinese Communist Party, it is perceived as sharing its viewpoints.
It referred to Trump administration efforts in its final days that amounted to provocative moves toward recognizing Taiwan as an independent country – a move that would sever decades-old agreements between Beijing and Washington. Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that restrictions on American diplomats meeting with their counterparts in Taiwan had been lifted, stating that he would not "degrade our relationship with a reliable partner and fellow democracy to please Communist China."
The shift happened after Chinese warplanes flew into Taiwanese airspace every day for more than a week, inciting the US Navy to announce new "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea, commanded by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Shortly after Biden's inauguration, Chinese airplanes simulated an attack on the Roosevelt, according to the Financial Times.
In an editorial, the Chinese state news outlet Global Times warned, "Do not overestimate or underestimate the Chinese mainland's will and will to protect its territorial integrity and to harshly punish the irresponsible conduct of 'Taiwan independence' forces." "It is predicted that armed conflicts will be generated across the Taiwan Straits if the island of Taiwan and the United States regard the previous US administration's last-minute moves as a fresh starting point of their ties and continue to pursue 'Taiwan independence.'"
The threat signals a major escalation in Beijing's position in recent days, following increased military activities in the region surrounding Taiwan by China, the US, and its allies.
Although the channel is not a direct megaphone for the Chinese Communist Party, it is perceived as sharing its viewpoints.
It referred to Trump administration efforts in its final days that amounted to provocative moves toward recognizing Taiwan as an independent country – a move that would sever decades-old agreements between Beijing and Washington. Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that restrictions on American diplomats meeting with their counterparts in Taiwan had been lifted, stating that he would not "degrade our relationship with a reliable partner and fellow democracy to please Communist China."
The shift happened after Chinese warplanes flew into Taiwanese airspace every day for more than a week, inciting the US Navy to announce new "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea, commanded by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Shortly after Biden's inauguration, Chinese airplanes simulated an attack on the Roosevelt, according to the Financial Times.
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