After the Chinese military carried out drills around Taiwan on Saturday (August 19), Taipei accused Beijing of&nbsp;trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said, "The PRC has&nbsp;made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election. Well, it's up to our citizens to decide, not the bully next door."

Earlier on Saturday, China started military drills around Taiwan in an angry response to Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States.

According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi said the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan.

The report said the drills were meant to test the PLA's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions". The scale of these drills is not yet known.

By afternoon, Taiwan said that it detected 42 warplane incursions&nbsp;making incursions around the island's air defence zone.

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After the Chinese military carried out drills around Taiwan on Saturday (August 19), Taipei accused Beijing of trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said, "The PRC has made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election.

After the Chinese military carried out drills around Taiwan on Saturday (August 19), Taipei accused Beijing of trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said, "The PRC has made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election. Well, it's up to our citizens to decide, not the bully next door." Earlier on Saturday, China started military drills around Taiwan in an angry response to Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi said the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan. The report said the drills were meant to test the PLA's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions". The scale of these drills is not yet known. By afternoon, Taiwan said that it detected 42 warplane incursions making incursions around the island's air defence zone. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Chinese military drills, Taiwan says ‘bully next door’ trying to shape upcoming national polls

China on Saturday (August 19) launched military drills around Taiwan in an angry response to Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi said the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan".

China on Saturday (August 19) launched military drills around Taiwan in an angry response to Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi said the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan". The report said the drills were meant to test the PLA's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions". The scale of these drills is not yet known. The drills were also intended to serve as "a stern warning to the collusion of 'Taiwan independence' separatists with foreign elements and their provocations," the report added. Taiwan condemns drills, detects 42 warplane incursions Taiwan condemned Saturday's drills, and said it would dispatch "appropriate forces" to respond "with practical actions". "Conducting a military exercise this time under a pretext not only does not help the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but also highlights (China's) militaristic mentality and confirms the hegemonic nature of its military expansion," Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement. Taiwan said that it had detected 42 warplane incursions into its air defence zone since China announced the launch of military drills. It added it has the ability, determination, and confidence to ensure national security. China on Lai's US visit: '...violation of one-China principle' China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite the strong objections of the island's government. The latest friction between the two countries comes following Taiwanese President Vice President Lai's US visit. Lai returned from the US on Friday, where he officially made only stopovers on his way to and from Paraguay, though he gave speeches while in America. On Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "The United States insisted on arranging for William Lai to stop over twice in the country, which seriously violated the one-China principle and undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and sent out a seriously wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces. China firmly opposes it and strongly condemns this." "The United States insisted on allowing William to stop over to engage in political activities and propagate the separatist idea of Taiwan independence, thereby enhancing official interactions and substantive relation between the United States and Taiwan, and once again exposing the true nature of the United States in saying one thing and doing another, stubbornly pursuing the strategy of using Taiwan to contain China, and constantly hollowing out the one-China principle," Wenbin added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China holds military drills around Taiwan in response to Lai's US visit. Taipei responds

The United States struck a note of caution saying that it was “monitoring” China as it continued its military drills around Taiwan for the second day on Sunday.

China began the three-day exercise on Saturday, a day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned from the United States, where she met the speaker of US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, despite Beijing's warnings against it.

"We are monitoring Beijing's actions closely," said a spokesperson for the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as the United States' de facto embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, according to Reuters news agency.

"As we have said, there is no reason for Beijing to turn this transit — which was consistent with longstanding US practice and policy — into something it is not or use it as a pretext to overreact," the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson further said that the channels of communication between China and US are open, and urged Beijing to show restraint.

<h2>Taiwan: China's drills threaten regional security</h2>

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"We are comfortable and confident that we have in place sufficient resources and capabilities in the region to ensure peace and stability and to meet our national security commitments."

9 Chinese warships, 58 jets encircle Taiwan

Meanwhile, on the second of the military drills, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) dispatched 9 Chinese warships, and 58 fighter jets around the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry has claimed.

On Sunday, the ministry said it was monitoring Chinese military "movements through (a) joint intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance system", adding that the warplanes detected until 12 pm local time (0400 GMT) included a mix of fighter jets and bombers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-announces-three-days-of-military-drills-in-taiwan-strait-580297">Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills</a>

Separately, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the military drills have "simulated joint precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan island and surrounding waters”.

It added that the air force deployed dozens of aircraft to "fly into the target airspace", and ground forces carried out drills for "multi-target precision strikes".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States struck a note of caution saying that it was “monitoring” China as it continued its military drills around Taiwan for the second day on Sunday. China began the three-day exercise on Saturday, a day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned from the United States, where she met the speaker of US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, despite Beijing's warnings against it.

The United States struck a note of caution saying that it was “monitoring” China as it continued its military drills around Taiwan for the second day on Sunday. China began the three-day exercise on Saturday, a day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned from the United States, where she met the speaker of US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, despite Beijing's warnings against it. "We are monitoring Beijing's actions closely," said a spokesperson for the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as the United States' de facto embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, according to Reuters news agency. "As we have said, there is no reason for Beijing to turn this transit — which was consistent with longstanding US practice and policy — into something it is not or use it as a pretext to overreact," the spokesperson added. The spokesperson further said that the channels of communication between China and US are open, and urged Beijing to show restraint. Taiwan: China's drills threaten regional security "We are comfortable and confident that we have in place sufficient resources and capabilities in the region to ensure peace and stability and to meet our national security commitments." 9 Chinese warships, 58 jets encircle Taiwan Meanwhile, on the second of the military drills, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) dispatched 9 Chinese warships, and 58 fighter jets around the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry has claimed. On Sunday, the ministry said it was monitoring Chinese military "movements through (a) joint intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance system", adding that the warplanes detected until 12 pm local time (0400 GMT) included a mix of fighter jets and bombers. Also read | Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills Separately, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the military drills have "simulated joint precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan island and surrounding waters”. It added that the air force deployed dozens of aircraft to "fly into the target airspace", and ground forces carried out drills for "multi-target precision strikes". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China simulates precision strikes against Taiwan on Day 2 of drills; US urges restraint

Hours after China announced the launch of military drills spanning three days, Taiwan's defence ministry said that eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were spotted around the island on Saturday.

The ministry expressed "solemn condemnation of such irrational actions", adding the detections — which included 29 jets crossing Taiwan's median line — took place between 6 am and 11 am local time, reports AFP news agency.

Earlier in the day, China announced that it was launching three days of military drills in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, "United Sharp Sword" would run from April 8 to 10 for "combat preparedness."&nbsp;In a PLA statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theatre Command, said the exercise would involve police patrol drills in the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait, "to the north and south of&nbsp;Taiwan, and in the sea and airspace to the east of&nbsp;Taiwan".

The exact location of these drills is not yet known.&nbsp; 
 
China's military is rehearsing an "encirclement" of Taiwan during the drills, state media reported. "The task force will simultaneously organise patrols and advances around Taiwan island, shaping an all-round encirclement and deterrence posture," CCTV said.

China views self-ruled&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

The announcement of the military drills comes after Taiwanese President Tsai In-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California on Wednesday. Hours before the meeting, Beijing&nbsp;sent its Shandong aircraft carrier through&nbsp;Taiwan's southeastern waters on its way to the western Pacific.

On Saturday, Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected&nbsp;three warships and 13 Chinese aircraft around the island, following President Tsai's return from the US.

The ministry said&nbsp;three ships and 13 aircraft had been detected around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;by 6 am local time (2200 GMT) on Saturday and "4 of the detected aircraft had crossed the median line of the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait and entered&nbsp;Taiwan's southeast ADIZ".&nbsp;

On Thursday, China had deployed warships around Taiwan as it vowed a firm and forceful response to the Tsai-McCarthy meeting.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Hours after China announced the launch of military drills spanning three days, Taiwan's defence ministry said that eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were spotted around the island on Saturday.

Hours after China announced the launch of military drills spanning three days, Taiwan's defence ministry said that eight Chinese warships and 42 fighter jets were spotted around the island on Saturday. The ministry expressed "solemn condemnation of such irrational actions", adding the detections — which included 29 jets crossing Taiwan's median line — took place between 6 am and 11 am local time, reports AFP news agency. Earlier in the day, China announced that it was launching three days of military drills in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, "United Sharp Sword" would run from April 8 to 10 for "combat preparedness." In a PLA statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theatre Command, said the exercise would involve police patrol drills in the Taiwan Strait, "to the north and south of Taiwan, and in the sea and airspace to the east of Taiwan". The exact location of these drills is not yet known. China's military is rehearsing an "encirclement" of Taiwan during the drills, state media reported. "The task force will simultaneously organise patrols and advances around Taiwan island, shaping an all-round encirclement and deterrence posture," CCTV said. China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. The announcement of the military drills comes after Taiwanese President Tsai In-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California on Wednesday. Hours before the meeting, Beijing sent its Shandong aircraft carrier through Taiwan's southeastern waters on its way to the western Pacific. On Saturday, Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected three warships and 13 Chinese aircraft around the island, following President Tsai's return from the US. The ministry said three ships and 13 aircraft had been detected around Taiwan by 6 am local time (2200 GMT) on Saturday and "4 of the detected aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeast ADIZ". On Thursday, China had deployed warships around Taiwan as it vowed a firm and forceful response to the Tsai-McCarthy meeting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills

China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.”&nbsp;

The announcement, in the backdrop of the recent escalation in tensions between Beijing and Taipei, took many by surprise but it has not had a similar effect on the residents of either China or Taiwan.&nbsp;

Military drills in Taiwan Strait

After China’s announcement, its fighter jets briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait as they began drills around Taiwan. This comes after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met United States House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other officials during her visit to the U.S., which Beijing has since condemned.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-announces-three-days-of-military-drills-in-taiwan-strait-580297">Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills</a>

China’s anger at the visit largely stems from its claims that the democratically governed Taiwan is its territory and threatens&nbsp;to use force to bring the island under its control. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government contests China’s claims.&nbsp;

In line with this, the Chinese army’s Eastern Theater Command said that the drills are a “serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces’ collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it was monitoring the drills and would respond appropriately to defend the island’s security and released a video message, emphasising they would monitor the situation without escalating tensions. The video shows Taiwan’s army, navy and air force conducting drills and monitoring China’s movements.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stern-warning-chinas-wargames-after-meeting-between-us-house-speaker-and-taiwan-president-580364">'Stern warning': China's wargames after meeting between U.S. House Speaker and Taiwan President</a>

Taiwan’s president, who was in the midst of hosting a US lawmakers' delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace. She added that it would strengthen security cooperation with the US without directly mentioning the drills in her televised address.&nbsp;

Chinese citizens largely in favour of reunifying Taiwan with mainland

A report by Reuters after speaking to citizens in Beijing said that while people are largely in support of the military drills around Taiwan, some are also worried about how it will affect their business. “Military exercises are what we should do…let's take Taiwan with military force,” said Wang, 35, who only provided his last name.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 39-year-old Zhou told the news agency, that she was a “bit worried” as her work involves international trade with the main markets being the United States and Canada and many others who work in similar fields are concerned about how escalating tensions would impact their jobs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-military-drills-near-taiwan-live-updates-china-launches-three-day-military-drills-after-tsai-us-speaker-meeting-580333">China military drills near Taiwan highlights: Chinese planes briefly cross Taiwan Strait median line</a>

On the other hand, Chinese tourists on an island near Taiwan were largely unaware and least bothered by Beijing’s military drill launch in the strait beyond, reported the news agency AFP. The tourists at the time were present along the coast of Pingtan, a scenic isle that is the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan.&nbsp;

“I saw the news, but it’s not going to stop our plans for today,” a 30-year-old visitor named Wu told AFP. He added, “Relations with Taiwan aren't great at the moment, but they’re stable. We hope for peaceful reunification.”&nbsp;

Similarly, another man named Lin said that the drills were just “a few preventive measures being taken by the government,” and hoped that China and Taiwan would reunify someday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-announces-military-drills-around-taiwan-after-tsai-mccarthy-meet-580328">China announces military drills around Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet</a>

“The drills are just a way to show our national strength, after all. Our government's response to Tsai's visit to the U.S. is quite strong - &nbsp;took her down a couple of notches and restored people's confidence for us to reclaim Taiwan,” Chen, a 25-year-old college student from Guangdong province visiting Pingtan island, told Reuters. Chen also expressed hope that China can reclaim Taiwan in a “peaceful” way.

Taiwan remains calm amid military drills

There was no broader sense of alarm in Taiwan about the military drills as people have long been accustomed to Chinese threats, reported Reuters, citing a senior Taiwan official familiar with security planning in the region who spoke to the news agency on the condition of anonymity. The official said that the situation was “as expected” and manageable and the Taiwanese government has rehearsed various scenarios for its response.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sanctions-reagan-library-stations-warship-aircraft-near-taiwan-after-tsai-mccarthy-meet-580207">China sanctions Reagan library, stations warship, aircraft near Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet</a>

“I have seen the news (about the China drills), when there were things like this in the past, before the war in Ukraine, I always just thought it’s how things are. Even now&nbsp;I don’t totally think that these drills will create security concerns for us, but everything that they (China) do, is to push the limits,” Lu Chi-hao, 30, told Reuters.&nbsp;

This comes as China’s amphibious landing ship — capable of transporting troops, craft and vehicles — fired multiple rounds of artillery early Saturday in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-imposes-sanctions-on-taiwans-de-facto-ambassador-to-us-after-tsai-mccarthy-meet-579964">China imposes sanctions on Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to US after Tsai-McCarthy meet</a>

“We are already numb to it, because they have really said this (unification) for a long time. But I think, since we still have to go on with our lives, us Taiwanese have to remain calm,” a 25-year-old social media influencer named Johhny Lin told Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.

China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.” The announcement, in the backdrop of the recent escalation in tensions between Beijing and Taipei, took many by surprise but it has not had a similar effect on the residents of either China or Taiwan. Military drills in Taiwan Strait After China’s announcement, its fighter jets briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait as they began drills around Taiwan. This comes after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met United States House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other officials during her visit to the U.S., which Beijing has since condemned. ALSO READ | Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills China’s anger at the visit largely stems from its claims that the democratically governed Taiwan is its territory and threatens to use force to bring the island under its control. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government contests China’s claims. In line with this, the Chinese army’s Eastern Theater Command said that the drills are a “serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces’ collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it was monitoring the drills and would respond appropriately to defend the island’s security and released a video message, emphasising they would monitor the situation without escalating tensions. The video shows Taiwan’s army, navy and air force conducting drills and monitoring China’s movements. ALSO WATCH | 'Stern warning': China's wargames after meeting between U.S. House Speaker and Taiwan President Taiwan’s president, who was in the midst of hosting a US lawmakers' delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace. She added that it would strengthen security cooperation with the US without directly mentioning the drills in her televised address. Chinese citizens largely in favour of reunifying Taiwan with mainland A report by Reuters after speaking to citizens in Beijing said that while people are largely in support of the military drills around Taiwan, some are also worried about how it will affect their business. “Military exercises are what we should do…let's take Taiwan with military force,” said Wang, 35, who only provided his last name. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Zhou told the news agency, that she was a “bit worried” as her work involves international trade with the main markets being the United States and Canada and many others who work in similar fields are concerned about how escalating tensions would impact their jobs. ALSO READ | China military drills near Taiwan highlights: Chinese planes briefly cross Taiwan Strait median line On the other hand, Chinese tourists on an island near Taiwan were largely unaware and least bothered by Beijing’s military drill launch in the strait beyond, reported the news agency AFP. The tourists at the time were present along the coast of Pingtan, a scenic isle that is the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan. “I saw the news, but it’s not going to stop our plans for today,” a 30-year-old visitor named Wu told AFP. He added, “Relations with Taiwan aren't great at the moment, but they’re stable. We hope for peaceful reunification.” Similarly, another man named Lin said that the drills were just “a few preventive measures being taken by the government,” and hoped that China and Taiwan would reunify someday. ALSO WATCH | China announces military drills around Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet “The drills are just a way to show our national strength, after all. Our government's response to Tsai's visit to the U.S. is quite strong - took her down a couple of notches and restored people's confidence for us to reclaim Taiwan,” Chen, a 25-year-old college student from Guangdong province visiting Pingtan island, told Reuters. Chen also expressed hope that China can reclaim Taiwan in a “peaceful” way. Taiwan remains calm amid military drills There was no broader sense of alarm in Taiwan about the military drills as people have long been accustomed to Chinese threats, reported Reuters, citing a senior Taiwan official familiar with security planning in the region who spoke to the news agency on the condition of anonymity. The official said that the situation was “as expected” and manageable and the Taiwanese government has rehearsed various scenarios for its response. ALSO READ | China sanctions Reagan library, stations warship, aircraft near Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet “I have seen the news (about the China drills), when there were things like this in the past, before the war in Ukraine, I always just thought it’s how things are. Even now I don’t totally think that these drills will create security concerns for us, but everything that they (China) do, is to push the limits,” Lu Chi-hao, 30, told Reuters. This comes as China’s amphibious landing ship — capable of transporting troops, craft and vehicles — fired multiple rounds of artillery early Saturday in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province. ALSO READ | China imposes sanctions on Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to US after Tsai-McCarthy meet “We are already numb to it, because they have really said this (unification) for a long time. But I think, since we still have to go on with our lives, us Taiwanese have to remain calm,” a 25-year-old social media influencer named Johhny Lin told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How people in Beijing and Taipei have reacted to China’s military drills

Taiwan condemned China on Monday for holding its second military combat drills around the island in less than a month, with the defence ministry saying it had detected 57 Chinese aircraft.

China carries out combat drills around Taiwan Strait again

China carries out more military drills around Taiwan