China has said it has held new maneuvers around Taiwan. Exercises have been held in the sea and airspace near Taiwan, the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Command said. It is a “resolute response” to “the current escalation and provocation” by the United States and Taiwan.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said eight Chinese planes and three ships had been spotted around the island republic. Taiwan usually reports similar activities several times a week.
The Chinese leadership regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and threatens to conquer it. Tensions had escalated in recent months. Following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August, Beijing launched large-scale military maneuvers and is maintaining military pressure with increased deployments of warships and aircraft in the Taiwan Straits.
