China has condemned Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s upcoming speech, accusing him of ‘escalating hostility’ and promoting ‘Taiwan independence.’ This comes ahead of a key national address by Lai on Thursday, which could trigger a Chinese military response. The statement highlights the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan, with China claiming the island as its own territory.
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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has warned military cadets of China’s determination to annex the island, calling it the ‘great rejuvenating cause’ of the Chinese nation. Lai emphasized the importance of knowing the enemy and resisting defeatism, while reiterating Taiwan’s independence and its people’s right to decide their future.
China has commenced its second day of military drills around Taiwan, testing their ability to ‘seize power’ and control key areas in response to President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration. The drills, which began three days after Lai assumed office, have drawn condemnation from Taiwan and sparked geopolitical tensions.
China has imposed sanctions on three US defense companies for selling arms to Taiwan, as the self-ruled island inaugurated its new president. The sanctioned firms, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security, will be prohibited from engaging in China-related import or export activities and making new investments in the country. The announcement came as Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s president amid growing Chinese military pressure.