PLA announces ‘completion’ of Taiwan sea and air drills
- Eastern Theatre Command says joint military tasks were successfully completed
- Command says it will continue to monitor changes in the Taiwan Strait
“It has successfully completed various tasks, and effectively tested the integrated joint combat capabilities of the troops,” he said.
He said the command would monitor changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait and carry out regular combat readiness drills.
02:48
Mainland China military exercises continue around Taiwan beyond announced deadline
In a separate statement, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Tan Kefei said the gesture by Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party to push forward an independence agenda through closer ties with foreign nations was propelling Taiwan towards a “disaster”.
“For the well-being of the people of Taiwan, we are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and best efforts. However, the PLA will never leave any space for any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist acts or interference by external forces,” Tan said.
During the drills, the People’s Liberation Army fired 11 Dongfeng series missiles over the island and flew drones over Quemoy, a Taiwan-controlled island close to the mainland and also known as Kinmen.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Pelosi’s trip was a serious provocation and undermined the one-China principle.
“China will fight resolutely every time the US stirs up provocations. The US should give up the idea of ‘using Taiwan to control China’,” Wang said.
07:07
Why mainland China is holding military drills in Taiwan Strait following US Speaker Pelosi’s trip
Taiwan has accused Beijing of using the Pelosi visit as an excuse to rehearse for an invasion.
It has conducted its own military drills to prepare for an attack on the island, and on Wednesday released footage of its air, land and sea forces responding to the mainland exercises.
