Sunday, December 15, 2024
spot_img

Taiwan holds live-fire exercises following China threats

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img

Hsinchu (Taiwan): Taiwan held live-fire exercises along its east coast on Thursday amid renewed threats from China to bring the island under its control by force if deemed necessary. Artillery and assault helicopters fired at targets off the west coast city of Taichung, while French-made Mirage fighter jets took off amid rainy conditions from the air base at Hsinchu to the north. Hsinchu (Taiwan): Taiwan held live-fire exercises along its east coast on Thursday amid renewed threats from China to bring the island under its control by force if deemed necessary. Artillery and assault helicopters fired at targets off the west coast city of Taichung, while French-made Mirage fighter jets took off amid rainy conditions from the air base at Hsinchu to the north. The drills are Taiwan’s first since Chinese President Xi Jinping on January 2 reasserted Beijing’s willingness to use military force to bring self-ruling Taiwan under Chinese control. The drills also follow a new Pentagon report laying out US concerns about China’s growing military might, underscoring worries about a possible attack against Taiwan. Taiwan’s independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen has made national defense a priority while refusing China’s demand that she recognise Taiwan as a part of China. That’s led to Beijing ratcheting up economic, military and diplomatic pressure on the island of 23 million. In a meeting with US Chief of Naval Operations Adm John Richardson in Beijing on Tuesday, China’s Chief of Staff Li Zuocheng issued a warning against foreign forces coming to Taiwan’s assistance. The US is Taiwan’s chief source of military hardware and is legally bound to respond to threats against its security. China’s military will “pay any price” to ensure China’s sovereignty, Li told Richardson at their Tuesday meeting.China considers Taiwan, which split from the mainland amid civil war in 1949, as an integral part of Chinese territory. (AP)

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

Will end naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026: Amit Shah

Raipur, Dec 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the government’s resolve to rid Chhattisgarh of...

Hindu leaders demand apology from Rahul Gandhi on Dronacharya-Eklavya remark

New Delhi, Dec 15 : As Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi compared the actions...

Parliamentarians unite over cricket match, raise awareness about eradicating TB by 2025

New Delhi, Dec 15 : In a unique blend of sports and social awareness, political leaders from both...

Armstrong murder case: 23 accused shifted to Puzhal central prison for security reasons

Chennai, Dec 15: The Tamil Nadu Prison Department shifted 23 people, accused of the murder of BSP state...