China conducted drills on Monday that Beijing claimed were meant to send a “stern warning” to “separatist” forces on the self-governing island. The drills involved the deployment of warships and fighter jets to encircle Taiwan.
The Monday drills are Beijing’s fourth round of large-scale war games in the past two years. Beijing has not ruled out using force to take control of Taiwan.
As it urged Beijing to behave responsibly, the United States stated that China’s actions were “unwarranted” and posed a threat of “escalation.”
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who got to work in May, has been more straightforward than his ancestor Tsai Ing-wen in safeguarding Taiwan’s sway, enraging Beijing, which considers him a “nonconformist”.
Lai promised on Monday to “safeguard vote based Taiwan, and shield public safety”, while the guard service said it dispatched “proper powers” because of the drills.
On Monday, 12 fighter jets were seen taking off near the Hsinchu air force base in the north of Taiwan.
According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, outlying islands under Taipei administration were on “heightened alert” and “aircraft and ships will respond to enemy situations in accordance with the engagement rules.”
