UK Calls for Restraint as China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan
On October 15, the UK urged China to exercise restraint following large-scale military exercises conducted by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan. The PLA announced the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercises, prompting the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to issue a statement expressing concern over the increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The FCDO emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for global prosperity and called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue without force. The UK does not support any unilateral changes to the status quo in the region.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed gratitude to the UK for its support and highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to working with international partners to maintain a rules-based order. MOFA also called for democratic nations to urge China to act with rationality and restraint.
Doubts Revealed
UK -: The UK stands for the United Kingdom, which is a country in Europe made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
China -: China is a large country in Asia, known for its rich history and being one of the most populous countries in the world.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China considers it part of its territory.
Military Drills -: Military drills are practice exercises conducted by armed forces to prepare for real-life situations. They involve soldiers, ships, and aircraft practicing maneuvers and strategies.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important and sometimes tense area due to the political situation between China and Taiwan.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office -: This is a department of the UK government responsible for protecting and promoting British interests worldwide, including foreign relations and international development.
Restraint -: Restraint means holding back or controlling one’s actions or emotions. In this context, it means not taking aggressive or harmful actions.
Democratic countries -: Democratic countries are nations where the government is elected by the people, and everyone has a say in how the country is run through voting.
