China’s foreign ministry claimed on Friday that Taiwan’s ruling party was trying to inflame tensions following this week’s incident in which the self-governing island shot down an unidentifiable civilian drone.
In answer to a question regarding the firing of the drone, spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated at a regular briefing that the Democratic Progressive Party’s attempt to inflame tensions was meaningless.
When the drone buzzed a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China on Thursday, Taiwan shot it down. After numerous warnings, Taiwan’s Premier Su Tseng-chang stated that shooting was the “most suitable” course of action, adding that China should exercise caution.
Following Taiwan’s allegations of harassment over drones from China flying close to the Kinmen islands, Beijing claimed that Taiwan was attempting to “spice up tensions” over the incident. Beijing is also conducting military drills around Taiwan.
Su told reporters that Taiwan had frequently warned China “not to intrude on our doorstep” and requested them to refrain.
This is the most acceptable response following repeated restraint and warnings, he continued, because they had continuously disregarded our requests for them to leave.
Su advised prudence on China’s part.
“We will never provoke, and we will act in the best interests of our people and our land.”
The attempt by Taiwan’s ruling party to inflame tensions, according to Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry in Beijing, “means nothing.”
In response to the downing of the drone, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office was quoted in Taiwan media as saying that Taiwan’s attempts to “spice up confrontation” were “very ludicrous.”
