China says it has conducted ‘warning patrols’ near Taiwan


BEIJING, June 1 (Reuters) – China’s military said on Wednesday it had conducted sea and air combat “alert patrols” around Taiwan in recent days, presenting the maneuvers as necessary measures to address “collusion” between Taipei and the United States.

Beijing, which considers the democratic island as a renegade province and does not rule out using force to bring it back into its fold, has stepped up military exercises near Taiwan for about two years.

The support shown by the United States for Taiwan is also fueling the anger of China, unhappy with the comments of American President Joe Biden. The latter declared last week to be ready to use force to defend the island in the event of an attack from China.

Washington, however, assured that there was no change in the American policy of “strategic ambiguity” with regard to Taiwan.

In a statement, the Chinese army said the “alert patrols” were “necessary”. “Recently, the United States has regularly taken steps on the question of Taiwan (…), inciting the support of the independence forces of Taiwan, which will place Taiwan in a dangerous situation”. (Report Ryan Woo, with Ben Blanchard Taipei; French version Jean Terzian)



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