- Taiwan’s armed forces issued a warning, launched air and naval patrols, and activated land-based missile systems.
- China has conducted a series of live-fire military exercises in seven zones near Taiwan.
- President Tsai Ing-wen called on the international community to support democratic Taiwan.
Taiwan has said that China’s military maneuvers look to resemble an invasion after various warships and planes violated the island’s unofficial boundary.
In reaction to the scenario, Taiwan’s armed forces issued a warning, launched air and naval patrols, and activated land-based missile systems, according to the country’s Ministry of National Defence.
This week, China has conducted a series of live-fire military exercises in seven zones near Taiwan in reaction to a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island.
Her visit enraged China, which considers Taiwan to be part of its territory rather than a self-governing republic, claiming that it violated the “one-China” policy.
The concept is diplomatic recognition of China’s stance that there is only one Chinese government.
On Friday night, as the exercises were taking place, Taiwan’s army reported seeing four unmanned aerial vehicles flying near Kinmen County.
According to Taiwan’s Kinmen Defence Command, four Chinese drones were observed over seas around the Kinmen island group, Lieyu Island, and Beiding Island.
Taiwan retaliated by launching warning flares.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen stated in a tweet,”Our government and military are closely monitoring China’s military exercises and information warfare operations, ready to respond as necessary,”
“I call on the international community to support democratic Taiwan and halt any escalation of the regional security situation,” she continued.
Since Thursday, the Chinese military drills have included missile attacks on targets in the waters north and south of the island.
The manoeuvres, which are expected to go through Sunday, have prompted Taiwan’s military to be on high alert and undertake defence drills.
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