China started three days of military drills surrounding Taiwan in reaction to President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.
The People’s Liberation Army reported that China, which sees Taiwan as its territory, had begun battle preparedness patrols and “Joint Sword” exercises all surrounding Taiwan.
Almost 42 Chinese fighter planes briefly breached the Taiwan Strait’s median line on Saturday as China vowed vague punishment if the two countries met.
The drills would take place in the Taiwan Strait as well as in Taiwan’s north, south, and east.
The PLA issued a statement saying, this is a serious warning to the collusion and provocation of the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported earlier today that 42 Chinese jets and eight ships had crossed the midline. The meeting between the president and the US speaker was described by the ministry as being used as an excuse to carry out military exercises, which has seriously damaged regional peace, stability, and security.
According to Reuters, which cited a Taiwan official, the aircraft temporarily breached the median line, but the ships had already turned around.
Boosting security cooperation with the United States was something that President Tsai has expressed interest in. She continued, “I would like to reaffirm that the people of Taiwan cherish democracy and seek peace.”
