China Irked Over Taiwan Vice President's US Trip, Launches Military Drills Around Island

In what was seen as a direct counter to Taiwan Vice President William Lai's recent journey to the U.S., China commenced military operations near Taiwan, reported Reuters.

The maneuver, labeled by Beijing as a stern caution against "separatist" elements, sparked a wave of criticism from the Taiwanese administration, according to the outlet.

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command disclosed its involvement in combined naval and aerial readiness patrols encircling Taiwan. Taiwan's defense establishment identified the presence of 42 Chinese planes and eight naval units.

Intriguingly, a significant portion of the aircraft ventured across the Taiwan Strait's median line, a long-standing informal demarcation separating the two military entities, according to Reuters.

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Elaborating on the nature of the exercises, the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command emphasized that it was harmonizing ship and aircraft operations, establishing dominance and conducting anti-submarine maneuvers to gauge the real-world efficacy of their troops. In response, Taiwan's governing body voiced its deep reservations about the military activities, Reuters noted. 

The Mainland Affairs Council, the architect of Taiwan's China strategy, has beckoned Beijing to abandon its aggressive posturing, the outlet reported. The council underscored Taiwan's sovereign status, asserting that "the Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign country and has a legitimate and legal right to conduct normal diplomatic interactions with friendly countries."

With a strong chance of securing Taiwan's presidency in the upcoming January elections, Lai returned from the U.S. on Friday. Though his primary destination was Paraguay, he took the opportunity to address major issues during his layover in the U.S.

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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