As the Chinese military conducts its largest military exercise yet off the coast of Taiwan in response to the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi, there are already signs of another visit from the West, which Beijing could see as a provocation. German members of the Bundestag are planning a trip to Taiwan before the end of October.
However, the trip was not a response to Pelosi’s controversial visit, but had been planned for a long time, it was emphasized. In addition to Taiwan, it also goes to Japan and Hong Kong. MEPs from all six parliamentary groups are expected to join the trip, likely two of the two largest political groups SPD and CDU/CSU. The delegation would therefore consist of eight parliamentarians in total.
‘Inhibitions on travel to Taiwan must be removed’
Possible protests from China against the trip are no reason for CDU human rights expert Michael Brand to refrain from doing so. “The Chinese leadership needs to be careful that it doesn’t just become a threat-spewing dragon on the international stage. A little more Asian discipline would be in order”, says Brand, who wants to travel with us. Taiwan’s representative in Germany, Jhy-Wey Shieh, recently proposed a trip for a delegation from the Bundestag. “Inhibitions to go to Taiwan have to go,” he said.
The maneuvers in six sea areas around the island, which will last until Sunday, are aimed at a naval and air blockade and are in preparation for a possible invasion. It is China’s largest demonstration of power in decades. During the maneuvers, China had launched 11 “Dongfeng” (East Wind) missiles, as reported by the Taiwanese military. In addition, 22 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets, entered Taiwan’s Air Surveillance Zone (ADIZ) on Thursday alone. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army called the practiced “precision strikes” with the missiles a complete success and lifted warnings about the target practice for sea and air transport as the maneuvers continued.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen called the maneuvers “irresponsible”. In a video address late Thursday night, the president urged Chinese leaders to use common sense and exercise restraint. Taiwan will not let tensions escalate, but wants to maintain the status quo.
Missile strikes in Japan’s exclusive economic zone
Japan and the US want to work closely together in light of the conflict over Taiwan. It is important to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Pelosi said at a meeting in Tokyo on Friday. The day before, five rockets fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone during People’s Liberation Army maneuvers in Taiwan’s waters. China’s behavior has “serious consequences for peace and stability in the region and the international community,” Kishida said, according to Japanese media reports.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
