“This is a serious warning”
China launches combat maneuvers around Taiwan
08/19/2023 5:48 am
China is again conducting a large-scale military exercise off Taiwan. The armed forces are testing their “actual combat capabilities” in the air and at sea, Beijing said. The maneuver follows a visit by Taiwanese Vice President Lai to the United States.
China has started military exercises around Taiwan. “This is a serious warning to Taiwan’s separatists who are conspiring with outside forces to provoke,” the military agency said in a brief statement. Conduct joint naval and air combat readiness patrols around the island. Also, operations focused on issues such as ship and aircraft coordination and attack control would be held to test the “actual combat capabilities” of the forces.
Taiwan’s defense ministry has strongly condemned the Chinese military drills near the island. “The start of military exercises does not contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits,” the ministry said in a statement. Appropriate forces will be deployed to respond. We have the ability, determination and confidence to ensure national security.
China’s military drills are a widely anticipated response to Vice President William Lai’s visit to the United States. This was officially a stopover on the flight to and from Paraguay, but gave Lai the opportunity to meet US officials. A US visit by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen only caused tensions in April. China also responded at the time with military maneuvers around Taiwan. Presidential elections will be held in Taiwan in January. Lai wants to succeed Tsai. He is currently ahead in most polls.