Taiwan declares a state of high alert after the Chinese army imposes air restrictions
Ministry of Defense statement
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the People’s Liberation Army had established “seven restriction zones in the airspace of the eastern regions of Zhejiang and Fujian,” two Chinese provinces located opposite Taiwan.
She added that these restrictions are in effect from Monday to Wednesday.
Taipei also announced that it had spotted Chinese ships sailing near the Taiwan Strait and in the Pacific Ocean, noting that, in response, it had participated in “preparatory maneuvers for combat.”
The Ministry of Defense explained in its statement that it “participated in preparatory maneuvers for combat that take into account enemy threats, weather conditions, and tactical positioning.”
These Chinese air restrictions and Taipei’s announcement of “preparatory maneuvers for combat” come days after the end of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s tour in the Pacific Ocean, which Beijing strongly condemned.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any international recognition of the island.
The beginning of the conflict
The roots of the conflict between Taiwan and China go back to the year 1949, when the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek fled to the island following their defeat by the Communist forces led by Mao Zedong.
Lai’s Pacific tour was his first overseas trip since taking office in May.
China opposes any high-level contacts between Taipei and other countries.
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