China began naval exercises on Saturday in the South Sea, near the island of Taiwan, when tensions between the Chinese and US governments are increasing over what Washington describes as the expansion of the Asian country in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to the Telesur website, the exercises will take place less than 25 kilometers from Hainan province, following US warnings about China's growing military and economic presence in an area stretching from the South Sea. from China to the Pacific Islands.
"Military exercises will be held and entry will be prohibited," China's Maritime Safety administration said in a statement, warning that an area of about 100 km2 would be closed to maritime traffic for five hours.
These rehearsals come as leaders of the QUAD group launched a maritime surveillance plan that analysts say is their biggest move yet to counter China. The QUAD is an informal alliance made up of Japan, the United States, India, and Australia.
Beijing once again reiterated that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair and that it will not allow any interference from foreign forces.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Friday, May 27, in response to recent comments by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
The "One China" principle is a fundamental policy for China-US relations, and the Asian country will not abandon the use of force to counter interference by separatist forces.
Zhu said that no one can underestimate the determination of the Chinese people in defending their territorial sovereignty.
China announced military exercises in Taiwan on Wednesday, days after US President Joe Biden said Washington would intervene militarily if Beijing tried to reunite with the island by force.
