China has started a 3-day exercise in the Taiwan Strait to "completely encircle" the island, Chinese state television announced today (Saturday). According to the "CCTV" network, the exercises focus on the ability to control the sea, airspace and media to create a deterrent force and a complete encirclement of Taiwan.
Taiwan detected 42 Chinese military aircraft and 8 ships that crossed the middle line in the Taiwan Strait.
And the Chinese army announced that the aim of the 3-day military exercises is combat readiness in the Taiwan Strait, amid tension with the island after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army said that the "United Sharp Sword" maneuvers will continue from April 8 to 10 and aim for combat readiness. He stressed that the exercises constitute a "stern warning" addressed to the "separatist forces" on the island.
In a statement from the People's Liberation Army, Eastern Theater spokesman Colonel Shi Yi said the "United Sharp Sword" exercise will include regular police exercises in the Taiwan Strait. Military spokesman Shi Yi stressed in a statement that these operations are a stern warning against collusion between the separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence and outside forces, and against their provocative activities.
Okaz (Beijing, Jeddah) @okaz_online
