Taiwan President Underscores Defense Importance During Visit to Kinmen Island
KINMEN, TAIWAN – Taiwan President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importanceof strengthening Taiwan’s defenses during a visit to Kinmen Island on August 23, marking the 66th anniversary of the 1958 Kinmen Artillery Battle.
The visit, Lai’s first to the island since assuming office in May, comes amidst heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The island, located just off the coast of mainland China’s Fujian province, was the site of intense shelling by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 1958. The bombardment lasted for over40 days, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
During his visit, Lai paid respects at the memorial for fallen soldiers, offering incense and laying a wreath. He also shared a meal with former soldiers and families of those who diedduring the conflict, expressing gratitude for their contributions.
We must be resolute in our unity to resist China’s threats, Lai stated, adding that Taiwan will stand with the democratic camp to jointly maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Lai’s emphasis on strengthening Taiwan’s defenses comes in thewake of escalating tensions in the region. In February, a Chinese fishing vessel operating illegally in waters near Kinmen capsized during a Taiwanese coast guard operation, resulting in the deaths of two crew members. Since then, Chinese coast guard vessels have become a more frequent presence in the area, further raising concerns about China’sintentions.
Lai’s visit to Kinmen and his strong statements regarding Taiwan’s defense posture are seen as a direct response to the growing pressure from China. The island has been a focal point of tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with China claiming sovereignty over Taiwan despite the island’s self-governance.
The1958 Kinmen Artillery Battle, also known as the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, was a pivotal moment in the history of the Taiwan Strait. The conflict, which saw the PLA bombard Kinmen with over 470,000 artillery shells over a period of 44 days, wasa major escalation in the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
While the shelling ultimately ceased, the conflict cemented the strategic importance of Kinmen and the Taiwan Strait as a potential flashpoint for conflict. The island remains a symbol of Taiwan’s resilience and its determination to defend its autonomy.
Lai’s visit to Kinmen and his pronouncements on defense are likely to be interpreted by Beijing as a provocative move. China has repeatedly warned against any moves towards Taiwan independence, and has vowed to use force if necessary to prevent the island from declaring formal independence.
The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains volatile, withthe potential for conflict escalating at any time. Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its defenses, as highlighted by President Lai’s visit to Kinmen, is a clear indication of the island’s resolve to defend its autonomy and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The international community is closely watching thedevelopments in the Taiwan Strait, with many expressing concerns about the potential for conflict. The United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan’s defense, while other countries have called for peaceful resolution of the issue.
The future of Taiwan remains uncertain, but the island’s determination todefend its autonomy and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region are clear. The events in Kinmen serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the Taiwan Strait and the importance of continued vigilance and dialogue to prevent conflict.
【来源】https://nwapi.nhk.jp/nhkworld/rdnewsweb/v6b/zh/detail/k10014557731000.json
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