Taiwan responds to China’s military drills as warships circle each other in ‘cat and mouse’ manoeuvres | World News
Taiwan responded after China appeared to participate in drills simulating an attack after a major US official visited the island.
China is available end some live-fire military maneuvers on seven areas around Taiwan to meet visit of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island – one of the things that angered Chinese officials.
However, there was an escalation on Sunday, with Taiwanese warships in retaliation for the exercise, passing close to Chinese ships in the Taiwan Strait.
This map shows the site of Chinese military drills (in red boxes) with the northern box intruding into Taiwan’s territorial waters
A source told Reuters news agency that a number of Chinese ships had crossed the divider – an informal buffer zone separating the two sides.
They added that the Taiwanese side tracked the Chinese ships as they “forced” into the line, in an attempt to deny them a chance to pass.
“Both sides are showing restraint,” they said, describing the maneuvers as “cat and mouse” at sea.
“One side tries to get through, and the other side gets in the way and puts them at a disadvantage and eventually turns to the other side.”
In a press release, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said China was using ships, planes and drones to simulate attacks on the island, and said it had dispatched aircraft. to respond “appropriately”.
Taiwan added that its land-based anti-ship missiles and US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles are ready.
On Saturday, China said drills near the island focused on land and sea strike capabilities.
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What is happening with China and Taiwan?
A White House spokesman said the drills were an escalation, adding: “They are provocative, irresponsible and increase the risk of miscalculation.
“They are also at odds with our long-term goal of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is what the world expects.”
The US has many naval assets in the region, but the Biden administration has said it remains committed to the one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the government of China but allows informal and informal relations. defense relationship with Taiwan.
The administration intervened but did not prevent Ms. Pelosi’s visit.
In further retaliation for Ms. Pelosi’s trip, China has imposed sanctions on herand it cut off defense talks with the US.
