Taiwan urges restraint in wake of China's provocations

Taipei, Sept. 18 (CNA) Taiwan on Friday called on China to exercise self-restraint, saying that the country's provocative military activities around Taiwan only further tarnish its international image.

As part of the Asia-Pacific region, China has a responsibility to work for peace and stability in the region, rather than becoming a regional aggressor, presidential spokesman Xavier Chang (張惇涵) told reporters in Taipei.

Chang was responding to recent provocative actions by the Chinese military in the Taiwan Strait, as well as its multiple incursions into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

Earlier in the day, China upped the ante by announcing that it was conducting military exercises near the Taiwan Strait, timed to coincide with a three-day visit to Taiwan by U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach.

On Friday, Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) also slammed China for its provocative actions.

China's military threats only further escalate tensions and instability in the region, Su said, adding that the government will do everything to let the world know that China is the real troublemaker.

The people of Taiwan, regardless of their political party lines, should come together as one and see who the "real enemy" is, he said.