Taiwan Vice President William Lai still continued his controversial U.S. visit despite the warnings of China. Because of his action, the Chinese government decided to conduct military drills around the island.
China Conducts Military Drills Around Taiwan as a Warning
Newly appointed Taiwan Premier William Lai speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Taipei on September 5, 2017. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on September 5 named the pro-independence politician Lai as premier in a move some analysts say could irritate Beijing.
According to The Guardian's latest report, China wasn't happy with the U.S. stops that the frontrunner presidential candidate for Taiwan made.
China said that Lai is a troublemaker, vowing that they will do the needed measures to protect the territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The Chinese government retaliated by conducting joint air and sea patrols, as well as military drills around the island, as confirmed by military spokesperson Shi Yi.
Taiwan officials announced that on Saturday, Aug. 19, over 40 warplanes entered their air defense zone. Aside from these, eight Chinese vessels cooperating in the military exercises were also identified.
"The patrols and exercises are meant to train the coordination of military vessels and airplanes and their ability to seize control of air and sea spaces," said the Chinese official.
A Stern Warning From China
An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter releases flares during the Han Kuang drill at the Ching Chuan Kang (CCK) air force base in Taichung, central Taiwan, on June 7, 2018. - Taiwan on June 7 staged its largest annual drills simulating Chinese attacks as Beijing stepped up military and diplomatic pressure on the island amid growing tensions.
USA Today reported that the latest military drills of China around Taiwan are the Chinese government's stern warning.
The defense ministry said that these military exercises are a warning over the collusion between foreign forces and separatists.
Taiwan condemns the actions of China against it, saying that the Asian nation's behavior is irrational and provocative.
The Taiwanese government vowed to take appropriate forces to respond with practical actions.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense explained that the military exercise conducted by China doesn't help the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Officials added that these military drills also highlight the militaristic mentality of China, as well as confirm the hegemonic nature of the Chinese military's growing forces.
The latest Chinese military exercises near Taiwan surprised many analysts. An anonymous expert with the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan said that he thought PLA's military drills will be moderate.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government is still asking for calm over Willian Lai's visit. If you want to learn more details about Beijing's retaliation against the U.S. visit of Taiwan's VP, you can click here.
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