The Chinese military held a 6-day live-fire drills starting April 15 in an area off the southwestern coast of Taiwan, just in time for an unofficial US delegation to visit Taiwan.

In a statement on April 14, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Civil Affairs said the Chinese military’s six-day drills took place in the south of Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait. China has also set up a restricted area for ships operating near the island of Taiwan during the time when the Chinese army conducted live-fire drills until April 20.

China has practiced six-day live fire drills in the southern Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait. (Photo: Xinhua News Agency)

Previously, former Senator Chris Dodd and two former Deputy Foreign Ministers Richard Armitage and James Steinberg set out to make a 3-day visit to Taiwan on April 13 at the request of US President Joe Biden.

In a statement, a White House official stressed that this is the “personal signal” of President Biden in securing commitments with Taiwan.

Taiwanese leader Thai Anh Van also plans to meet with the US delegation this morning (April 15).

China has long viewed Taiwan as a separatist province and repeatedly affirmed that Taiwan is “the most sensitive and important issue in the US-China relationship. Meanwhile, although Washington and Taipei have not established formal diplomatic relations, the US is currently the strongest supporter of Taiwan on the international arena and is also a major arms supplier to Taiwan. .

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait are also steadily increasing, after the United States and China have repeatedly taken military action in the region.

Mr. Kang Lin, a researcher at Hainan University, China, said that the 6-day live-fire drills were not conducted because of the US delegation’s visit to Taiwan. But the exercise area is close to the Dongsha archipelago north of the South China Sea, where Taiwan is in control and China also claims to have sovereignty in the area.

“The exercise clearly implies that China wants to assert sovereignty. The exercise also clearly showed Beijing’s warning to foreign forces not to interfere in the affairs of China and Taiwan, ”said Kang.

And military commentator Zhou Chenming said that the Chinese military regularly conducts exercises in the area during this time, because the weather conditions from July to September are not favorable.

“The exercise was planned in advance. Every year, China organizes many exercises in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait from April to June. But these events are increasingly publicized because China shoots real bullets, so notice must be made, ”said Zhou. to speak.

On April 12, China also dispatched an unprecedented number of military aircraft, including 25 fighters and bombers, into Taiwan’s air defense detection zone, according to the Taiwan Defense Agency.

On April 13, CCTV published a report on the PLAAF and PLAN conducting a 36-hour drill focusing on “reconnaissance and warning” training in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea.

Tensions over sovereignty disputes over the Senkaku / Diaoyu archipelago in the East China Sea between Japan and China are also increasing.

The Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands are now under the control of Japan, but China has repeatedly affirmed the area is part of the national territory and regularly dispatched ships for surveillance.

Earlier in February, China also passed a new law that allowed its maritime forces to “take all necessary measures” including weapons to fight foreign organizations and individuals violating what the North Sutras called sovereignty and jurisdiction of the nation.

In response, members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) affirmed on February 25 after a meeting with Japanese government officials that the Japan Coast Guard could fire directly to entering foreign ships that intend to infiltrate near the Senkaku / Diaoyu archipelago in the East China Sea.

Currently, Tokyo is also tightening relations with the US in matters related to regional security. Specifically, on April 14, a US reconnaissance plane took off from Japan’s Okinawa island and flew over the East China Sea, according to the South China Sea Strategic Situation Initiative in Beijing. Earlier this month, China’s Liaoning carrier strike group also passed through the area between the islands of Okinawa and Miyako on its way to the Pacific.

Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography (Tuesday, right) welcomes the delegation sent by Mr. Joe Biden at the airport (Photo: Twitter @ MOFA Taiwan).

According to the news site Multi-Dimensional (Dwnews) On April 14, the Taiwan Diplomatic Service announced on Twitter that the US delegation arrived in Taiwan on the afternoon of April 14 and was directly brought to the airport by Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography, the head of the Taiwan diplomatic mission. welcome. The Taiwanese diplomatic service also posted three photos of the scene on Twitter.

Taiwan’s Foreign Office wrote on Twitter, “the presence of the American delegates is a vote of confidence that the US has for Taiwan and the Taiwanese people who love freedom and democracy”.

Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography (right) welcomes the delegation at the plane’s elevator

(Photo: Twitter @ MOFA Taiwan).

Meanwhile, Beijing is very dissatisfied. When asked questions related to the incident at a regular press conference on April 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Trieu Lap Kien said, “Thai Anh Van is just a local leader of China; China firmly opposes any form of formal exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, which is a clear and consistent Chinese policy. The Chinese side was sternly opposed to the US side about the US government’s dispatch of staff to Taiwan to operate ”.

Mr. Trieu Lap Kien also reminded the US to strictly abide by the principle of one China and three Sino-US joint statements, immediately stop any form of official exchanges between the US and Taiwan, and handle any issues. concerns Taiwan carefully and does not send any false signals to “independent Taiwan” separatist powers to avoid causing further damage to Sino-US relations and to peace. stable and stable on the Taiwan Strait ”.

Mr. Trieu Lap Kien said at a press conference on the afternoon of April 14: China strongly opposed the US about sending staff to Taiwan (Photo: Da Dimensional).

It is known that at the request of US President Joe Biden, former Senator Chris Dodd and two former Permanent Deputy Ministers of the Foreign Ministry Richard Armitage and James Steinberg visited Taiwan on April 13. A senior US administration official declared that this was an “important signal” of America’s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

A senior official in the Joe Biden administration stated that on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the “Taiwan Relations Act” by the US and Taiwan, the US sent the “unofficial” delegation to visit Taiwan. In the past, Mr. Joe Biden Biden voted for this bill as US Senator.

The senior official said the delegation will meet with Taiwanese officials, according to “a long tradition the US administration sends unofficial high-level bipartisan delegations to Taiwan”.

Mr. Ngo Chieu Photography (right) talks with American guests (Photo: Twitter @ MOFA Taiwan).

He also said that the reason these three were chosen because they are longtime friends of Taiwan and have a close personal relationship with President Joe Biden. This move sends an important signal of US commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

Just a few days earlier, the US issued new rules for US-Taiwan exchanges, further easing restrictions on US-Taiwan exchanges.

At the same time, mainland China has recently increased pressure on Taiwan, the Liaoning aircraft carrier exercises around Taiwan, and military aircraft are also constantly approaching Taiwan. Many fear that Beijing will use force against Taiwan. The US tit-for-tat, constantly sending warships through the Taiwan Strait to deter Beijing.

Before that, the Taiwan News Agency CNA quoted people familiar with this issue as saying that, in early March, the US side informed the Taiwanese government that President Joe Biden would send former Senator Chris Dodd to Taiwan to show long-term friendship. personal length with Taiwan and congratulate the 42nd anniversary of passing the “Taiwan Relations Act”. The Taiwan side welcomed Mr. Biden’s willingness to arrange a jet to take Mr. Dodd to visit Taiwan, and planned to exchange important information with Mr. Biden through this channel.

Ms. Tieu My Cam, Taiwanese representative in the US, was invited by Mr. Joe Biden to the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021 (Photo: Da Afternoon).

A person familiar with the matter pointed out that the delegation will arrive in Taiwan on April 14 Taiwan time and is scheduled to visit until April 16. During that time, the delegation will meet with leader Thai Anh Van and will also meet with senior Taiwanese national security, foreign affairs and defense officials. Sources familiar with the matter also said that Taiwan is expected to continue proposing recent Chinese provocations against Taiwan; Taiwan is committed to maintaining regional stability, but at the same time hopes that the United States will continue to strengthen its support for Taiwan, including concrete progress in economic, trade, and security areas.

A source familiar with the matter said the Taiwanese side is expected to also thank Mr. Biden’s team for their recent Taiwan-friendly actions, including the publication of the latest guidelines on awarding. exchange and significantly loosen restrictions on their exchanges.

Newspapers World & amp; Vietnam highlights of the day:

Russia-Ukraine Ukraine: Russia won’t dare attack

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Reznikov insisted that, although Russia has been ablediving a large number of troops to the border, there will be no large-scale offensive.

According to Mr. Reznikov, Russia’s concentration of troops on the Ukrainian border is just “a show of force without intention of use,” although there will be minimal probabilities of an attack to occur.

However, Mr Reznikov stressed, the main target remains a “signal” from Russia, which suggests Moscow may attack but that it will prioritise negotiations. (TASS)

Russia ‘reveals’ reasons for marching troops to border

On April 13, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow’s large-scale military push in the West was part of exercises to assess readiness amid threats from NATO.

Speaking in a meeting with senior generals, Mr Shoigu said the ongoing exercise was a response to what he called relentless efforts by the US and NATO allies to strengthen their forces near Russia’s borders.

“Russian soldiers are ready to complete the task of protecting the security of the country,” Shoigu asserted. (AP)

Moscow warns West over Ukraine issue

On the same day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the US and EU are stepping up tensions in Ukraine by increasing military support for the country.

“We want to reiterate that NATO countries, who use the fallacy to speculate on the defense of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, should think about Kiev’s belligerent attitude, while ensuring the implementation of the Minsk Measure Package that Kiev is deliberately ignoring,” Ryabkov said.

He added that, in the worst assumption, “Kiev and its allies in the West will be fully responsible for the consequences.” (TASS)

US-Russia: What’s in the Biden-Putin radio?

During the April 13 phone call, U.S. President Joe Biden proposed to his Russian ally Vladimir Putin to hold a summit in a third country.

The White House statement stated: “During the talks, President Biden reaffirmed his goal of building a stable, predictable relationship with Russia and in line with American interests.”

At the same time, the White House boss asserted, the U.S. will act “resolutely” to protect national interests, responding to Russian actions such as cyber intrusion and election interference.

On the Ukraine issue, the U.S. President emphasized Washington’s relentless support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition, President Biden proposed that the leaders of the two countries meet for a third summit in the next few months to discuss a range of issues in U.S.-Russia relations. If held, it would be the first meeting between Mr Biden and Mr Putin.

For his part, the Kremlin announced, during the talks, that the US President had told Mr Putin that Washington wanted to normalize relations and cooperation on arms control, the Iranian nuclear program, the Afghan issue and climate change.

In addition, President Putin has outlined approaches to solving politics in Ukraine and outlined approaches to solving political problems rooted in the Minsk Measures Package. (Reuters/TASS)

U.S. intelligence puts China at the top of threat list

According to the 2021 Annual Assessment of Threats report, China will continue to increase its influence while trying to undermine U.S. influence, “dividing” relations between Washington and its partners, as well as allies.

China’s promotion of power globally is a leading threat to U.S. national security, the report said.

Regarding Russia, the report said, Moscow “does not want a direct conflict” with the U.S., though it will continue its destabilizing efforts toward Ukraine.

As for North Korea, the report said, Pyongyang will likely consider whether it should resume its nuclear weapons and long-range missile tests this year, amid efforts by the Northeast Asian nation to negotiate with the new U.S. administration on its own terms. (Reuters)

American c’Official’ delegation to Taiwan

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration on April 13 sent an official delegation to Taiwan, a move seen as a “personal signal” of the President’s commitment to the island.

The delegation included Senator Chris Dodd and two former Deputy Foreign Ministers, Richard Armitage and James Steinberg.

In addition, according to a senior official in Mr. Biden’s administration, the U.S. sent the delegation as the U.S. and Taiwan celebrated the 42nd anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act that Mr. Biden voted to pass as a senator.

“The dispatch of these three individuals – senior politicians, longtime friends of Taiwan and close personal ties to President Biden – sends an important signal of America’s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy,” the official said. (Reuters)

Iran-Israel Iran produces 60% uranium in response to Israel

On April 14, Iran announced next week it would begin producing uranium enriched in purity of up to 60 percent, three days after an attack that Tehran accused of being caused by Israel against a key nuclear facility in Natanz. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani explained that the decision to enrich uranium was in response to Israel’s “nuclear terrorism.”

Speaking on television, Mr Rouhani stressed: “Activate IR-6 (centrifugal machines) in Natanz on April 14, or raise the level of enrichment to 60%… to respond to malice. What (Israel) did was nuclear terrorism. What we do is legal.”

In a report sent to member countries, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said iran had informed the agency that it planned to start enriching uranium at a maximum of 60 percent. (AFP)

Israeli ship attacked, suspected Iran culprit?

The Israeli-owned Hyperion vessel was attacked off the UAE coast, according to the channel TV 12, this missile was launched from Iran.

The ship suffered minor damage. Channel TV 12 Israeli sources on the same day cited security sources as reporting that the missile had been launched by Iran.

According to the news channel, several unnamed Israeli officials accused Iran of carrying out the attack. (Al-Mayadeen)

South China Sea NATO condemns China in South China Sea

On April 13, speaking online at the Raisina Dialogue (India’s conference on geography and economics), NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that china’s rise is seen as a global issue, all countries need to pay attention to this.

The NATO secretary general said, “we must be clearly aware of the challenges that come with china’s rise.”

According to Jens Stoltenberg, China is strengthening its military strength along with economic development. The country has tripled its military spending over the past decade, now has the world’s second-largest defense budget and continues to massively invest in military modernization.

Besides, Mr. Stoltenberg asserted, NATO is an important foundation for responding to the security effects of a rising China. “NATO wants to interact closer with partners around the world, because it is the best way to protect the rules-based international order, protecting society and democracy,” Said Stoltenberg. (Business Standard)

China fires real ammunition in South China Sea

The website of China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) on April 14 posted a notice of the country’s schedule of real-life ammunition firing exercises in the South China Sea.

Accordingly, live-fire exercises in the South China Sea take place in an area limited by coordinates 23-18-007N 117-16-00E, 23-18-00N 117-24-00E, 23-10-00N 117-24-00E and 23-10-00N 117-16-00E from 0h-10h daily UTC (7h-17h Hanoi time), from April 15-20.

The above notice states that during the exercises, MSA of Shantou city banned boats from entering the above area. (THX)

Afghanistan: US, UK, NATO simultaneously schedule withdrawals

On April 13, U.S. President Joe Biden decided to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan before 9/11, exactly 20 years after the Al-Qaeda attack sparked America’s longest war.

However, according to unnamed sources, the withdrawal will be based on specific assurances on security and human rights, before formalizing the decision. The sources did not provide further details.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected to announce the decision with allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels on April 14. President Biden may also announce his decision.

Following in the U.S., Britain and NATO also announced they would withdraw almost all forces from Afghanistan.

Speaking to a TV channel Ard, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer stated: “We always declare: we will go together, we will withdraw together… I support an orderly withdrawal and that’s why I think today (April 14) we (NATO) will be united on that.” (Reuters/AFP)