(PatriotPostNews.com) – The defense ministry of the Chinese government has accused Taiwan of intentionally “hyping up” a military threat while also appearing to act militarily in the Taiwan Strait.
The accusation comes weeks ahead of the presidential and parliamentary election in Taiwan, which will significantly impact the island’s relationship with China. The Chinese military presence and actions in Taiwan have increased in recent years as the government strives to claim its sovereignty over the island. The pivotal election is scheduled to take place on January 13.
Reports of Chinese warships and fighter jets near Taiwan have come in ahead of the election, but the nation’s defense ministry has placed blame for the tension between the states on the Taiwanese government. Spokesperson Wu Qian said at a Beijing press conference that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is “deliberately hyping up” what they describe the “military threat from the mainland” and accused the party of “exaggerating tensions.”
The DPP is the ruling party in Taiwan. Quian further argued that they are making tensions seem worse in order to “seek electoral gain” and that the party is trying to “manipulate the election.”
However, despite Qian’s words, additional reports of Chinese military actions and presence have surfaced from the Taiwan defense ministry. The agency also noted that it had not detected indications that the Chinese military was engaging in any large-scale operations as well as plans to closely monitor for potential threats.
Taiwan has been releasing reports of military presence from China since early December, including mention of balloons that have been spotted above the Taiwan Strait. However, the Taiwanese military has also noted that these balloons in particular are likely monitoring the weather. When asked about these balloons, Qian did not comment.
He did, however, express frustration with the United States government selling arms to Taiwan. During the press conference, Qian said that his nation “firmly oppose[s]” other countries engaging with Taiwan “in any form” of “official and military contact.”
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