Situation intensifies as China simulates 'strikes on targets in Taiwan'

Taipei (Taiwan), April 9: On the second day of the drills, Beijing carried out "simulated coordinated precision strikes on important targets in Taiwan," adding to the tense situation between Taiwan and China, Al Jazeera said on Sunday.

The drills began on Saturday (April 8), shortly after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen returned from the United States, where she visited House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a meeting that Beijing strongly opposed. According to Al Jazeera, the declaration came on the same day that Taiwan's defence ministry announced it had discovered many Chinese air force sorties and was keeping an eye on Beijing's missile forces.

Taiwan had tracked 71 Chinese military aircraft and nine navy ships by 4 p.m. on Saturday, according to Taiwan News.

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According to the Ministry of National Defense (MND), it included 45 planes that either crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line or entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) from the southwest.

This comes as Beijing scheduled three days of military drills surrounding Taiwan on Friday, the day after President Tsai Ing-wen returned to Taipei from a meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

Taiwan, meanwhile, has lodged a protest against Chinese military drills near Taiwan, stating that the country will not yield to threats.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense stated on Twitter, "#Taiwan is our homeland, and no matter where we go or what we encounter, she is always charming and beautiful. Every story on this land is etched in our memories. We, #ROCArmedForces, are fighting with all our heart to defend our homeland and to protect our home together."

The Chinese Communist Party has never governed Taiwan, but Beijing says it is part of its territory and seeks "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan.

Tensions between China and Taiwan intensified after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi travelled to the breakaway country in August last year.

China protested Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.

Taiwan has replied this time by sending aircraft, navy ships, and land-based missiles to observe PLA planes and ships.

- ANI

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