Status: 12/25/2022 5:08 PM
Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated in recent months. One of the reasons is the United States’ support for the island republic. Beijing is now making another maneuver.
China said it has conducted new exercises around Taiwan. The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Command said the exercises were conducted at sea and in the air near Taiwan. It is a “firm response” to the “current escalation and provocation” by the United States and Taiwan.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said that eight Chinese aircraft and three ships were spotted throughout the island republic. Taiwan usually reports similar activities several times a week. The Chinese leadership considers Taiwan part of the People’s Republic of China and threatens to occupy it.
Tensions have risen in recent months. After visiting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August Beijing has launched large-scale military exercises and military pressure continues with increased deployment of warships and aircraft in the Taiwan Strait.
Sharp criticism of the US budget
The government’s criticism in Beijing of the new US defense budget, which at $858 billion is higher than ever, shows how tense the situation is between the US and China. On Christmas Eve, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced its “great dissatisfaction and resolute resistance”.
The statement said the budget includes provisions that “seriously harm peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” The United States has arbitrarily interfered in China’s internal affairs, attacking and slandering the Chinese Communist Party. This is a serious political provocation to China.”
Ten billion dollars for the security of Taiwan
It was signed by US President Joe Biden on Friday Federal budget for the current fiscal year It has a volume of approximately 1.7 trillion US dollars. The Department of Defense will give $858 billion after $740 billion in the last fiscal year.
Also included is up to $10 billion for Taiwan’s security. The budget also includes a provision that restricts government purchases of goods that contain computer chips made by some Chinese companies.
