According to information provided by the spokesperson for east Theatre Command ALW, Colonel Shi Yi, the aim of the exercise was to check the soldiers' skills in regional control, common blockade and precise impact. During the maneuvers, Chinese armed forces conducted long-range firing exercises in the East China Sea utilizing sharp ammunition and precise attacks on simulated targets specified as key ports and energy infrastructure facilities.
Tensions in the region are due to China's expanding aggression towards Taiwan. Therefore, the Taiwan Ministry of Defence confirmed that ALW is conducting exercises but did not give details. In a morning study on Chinese Army activity around the island, the ministry reported the detection of 76 Chinese Air Force units and 15 warships in the region over the last 24 hours.
In consequence to Chinese exercises, Taipei sent its own aircraft and ships, and deployed rocket systems. Taiwan News quotes U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, who stated that China's aggressive military action and rhetoric towards Taiwan service only to exacerbate tensions and endanger the safety of the region and the prosperity of the world.
The European Union has besides expressed concern. ‘The EU is straight curious in maintaining the position quo in the Taiwan Strait. We argue any unilateral action that alters the position quo by force or force," says the European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper.
Tensions in the region may have serious consequences for global trade and the economy. The Taiwan Strait is 1 of the most crucial maritime routes in the world, and the blockade of this way could origin crucial economical losses. According to the planet Maritime Organisation (IMO), in 2020 over 64,000 ships through the Taiwan Straits accounted for about 20% of global maritime trade.
China's expanding aggression towards Taiwan is besides a origin for concern for regional security. Taiwan is an crucial ally of the United States and another countries in the region, and Chinese aggression could origin concern among another countries in the region. According to the Washington Peace Institute data, in 2020 the United States and the People's Republic of China spent $721 billion and $261 billion respectively on military spending, which was the highest military spending in the world.
In view of the expanding tensions in the region, countries and global organisations should cooperate to reduce tensions and advance peace in the region. Diplomacy and conflict resolution by negotiation are the most effective measures to avoid war and advance stableness in the region. According to United Nations data, in 2020, UN peacekeeping efforts helped to reduce tensions in more than 20 countries worldwide.
