China Taiwan tensions rise: Taiwan on high alert as China sends 42 warplanes over Taiwan Strait

China has started three days of military exercises around Taiwan, according to a statement from the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command. The drills, named "United Sharp Sword," are described as "a serious warning against the Taiwan separatist forces' collusion with external forces, and a necessary move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The exercises will involve "combat-ready patrols and exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait, and to the north, south, and east of Taiwan and the sea and airspace as planned," said Senior Colonel Shi Yi of the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command.

The Chinese military's announcement comes after Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, met with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday, in defiance of repeated threats by Beijing. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that should be reunited with the mainland, and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve that goal.

In response to China's announcement, Taiwan's defense ministry said it had detected a total of 42 Chinese warplanes over the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from the Chinese mainland. It said 29 of those planes had crossed the median line in the strait into its air defense identification zone, and that eight Chinese vessels had been spotted in the area.

The situation has raised tensions between China and Taiwan, with some experts warning of the risk of a potential military conflict in the region. Taiwan, for its part, has sought to bolster its defenses and has urged the international community to support its efforts to resist China's pressure.

The US, which is Taiwan's main ally, has also increased its support for the island in recent years, including through arms sales and high-level visits. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan's security and said it will continue to support the island's self-defense capabilities.

China has long opposed any form of US support for Taiwan, and has warned that such actions could provoke a military response. The situation is likely to remain tense in the coming weeks and months, as China continues to flex its military muscles in the region and Taiwan seeks to defend its sovereignty and security.

#china #taiwan #usa #chinesearmy #taiwanpresident #usarmy #latestnews #worldpolitics #worldnews #worldnewstoday

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[MK-cgum]

We have seen that before.
They are good at drills and parades