Taiwan: China begins military exercises in Taiwan Strait. China has announced the start of a three-day military exercise in the Taiwan Strait to express anger over Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with the speaker of the US House of Representatives.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command has announced that the ‘United Sharp Sword’ will operate from April 8 to 10 in preparation for war. The drills were expected following China condemned Taiwan’s meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.
China views democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has never relinquished its use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government strongly disputes China’s claims, Archyde.com reported.
Beijing’s announcement also came hours following China hosted a visit by senior European leaders. Taiwan’s defense ministry said 13 Chinese aircraft and three warships were spotted around the island.
China said the US was on a “wrong and dangerous path” following a meeting between the United States House Speaker and the island’s president.