China says its military activities around Taiwan are 'reasonable, justified'

Beijing's assertion that its regular military incursions around Taiwan are "entirely justified and reasonable" is a familiar refrain, yet the Chinese Defense Ministry's rare direct comment underscores the escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. From China's perspective, as articulated by spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, these activities are a matter of course, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity against what it deems separatist forces.

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The People's Liberation Army organizes training and exercise activities in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan island to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is entirely justified, reasonable, and a matter of course.

The Chinese narrative explicitly blames Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for distorting these actions, accusing them of peddling "war anxiety" and stoking confrontation. This framing is crucial for domestic audiences and regional diplomacy, portraying China as the aggrieved party, merely responding to provocations. The insistence that Taiwan is an "inalienable part of Chinese territory" remains the bedrock of Beijing's policy, leaving little room for negotiation on the island's status.

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The Democratic Progressive Party that "distorts" Chinese activities, "peddling war anxiety, intimidating the people on the island, and stoking confrontation and antagonism across the Taiwan Strait."

Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's message from a military base – that "only through strength can true peace be achieved" – highlights the stark reality faced by the island. His call for a stalled defense budget reflects the urgent need to bolster capabilities against a vastly larger adversary. The international dimension, particularly the US support for Taiwan's defense spending, is viewed by Beijing as interference and a direct challenge, further fueling the cycle of action and reaction in this volatile geopolitical flashpoint. The coverage here in The Jerusalem Post often reflects the Israeli perspective on existential threats and the necessity of self-defense, finding resonance in Taiwan's struggle.

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Only through continuous preparedness can we deter threats - by being ready to fight in order to avoid fighting, and by being capable of fighting in order to stop war.