BEIJING: China’s military said it had conducted “strike drills” in the sea and airspace around Taiwan on Sunday (Dec 25) in response to unspecified “provocation” from the democratically-governed island and the United States.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained of repeated Chinese military activity nearby over the past three years or so as Beijing seeks to pressure Taipei to accept Chinese sovereignty.
China staged war games around Taiwan in August following a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and on Saturday it condemned the United States for a new defence authorisation law that boosts military assistance for Taiwan.
In a brief statement, the Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army said it had carried out “joint combat readiness patrols and joint firepower strike drills” around Taiwan, though it did not specify the exact location.
“This is a resolute response to the current escalation of collusion and provocation from the United States and Taiwan,” it added, without giving details.
“Theatre forces will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Taiwan’s defence ministry declined immediate comment.
The ministry publishes a daily report of Chinese military activities near the island over the previous 24 hours.