Taipei, Dec 29 (NationPress) Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence has issued a strong condemnation of China’s recent military maneuvers involving air, naval, and rocket forces around the island. China characterized these actions as a serious warning against "Taiwan Independence" and external meddling. The Ministry has declared a state of heightened alert for Taiwanese forces, denouncing the operations conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) as detrimental to regional stability.

This escalation follows the United States' approval of a significant arms deal exceeding $10 billion for Taiwan. In response, Beijing urged the US to "immediately halt its reckless act of supplying arms to Taiwan", with China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun asserting that such actions severely threaten China’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

“We vehemently reject the PRC's irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s maneuvers that jeopardize regional tranquility. Rapid Response Exercises are currently in progress, with our forces prepared to defend the Republic of China and safeguard our citizens,” the Defence Ministry stated on X.

Reportedly, on Monday morning, Taiwanese defense forces detected two PLA aircraft, nine PLA vessels, and two governmental ships engaged in operations around the Taiwan Strait.

Additionally, the Taiwanese armed forces are actively monitoring and responding with mission aircraft, ships, and coastal missile systems.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the military activities of China and reiterated its support for its armed forces in light of the “provocations”.

“We stand united with the Ministry of National Defence and all frontline military personnel responding to the PLA’s provocations around Taiwan. We denounce the CCP's threats to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity, and we are prepared to meet this challenge alongside our democratic allies,” the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry stated on X.

Earlier this month, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry remarked, “China’s unilateral military provocations and oppressive measures threaten Taiwan’s democracy and freedom, as well as the regional status quo of peace and stability. They further destabilize the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific.”

Taiwan remains under threat from China, which views the self-governing island as part of its territory under the "One China" principle and insists on its reunification with Beijing. Despite ongoing pressures from China, Taiwan, with substantial public backing, continues to assert its sovereignty and respond to incursions.