The Chinese military says it has successfully completed large-scale drills around Taiwan. They were the first major military operation in waters surrounding Taiwan since May.
China’s Eastern Theater Command says the maneuvers brought together members of the army, navy, air and rocket forces.
Earlier, the military said the drills would serve as a warning to pro-independence forces in Taiwan. It said the exercises were legitimate and necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and unity.
Last week, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te spoke for the first time since taking office at a ceremony marking what’s known as Double Tenth Day. Taiwan considers October 10th as its national day.
Lai said, “The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry strongly condemned the drills, calling them irrational and provocative.
The ministry says it would deploy appropriate forces to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.
The US State Department expressed concern about the exercises. In a statement, it said Beijing’s “response with military provocations to a routine annual speech is unwarranted and risks escalation.”
Washington urged China to act with restraint and avoid any actions that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait which, it said, is essential for regional peace and prosperity and is of international concern.