Chinese military forces are holding exercises near Taiwan in response to a visit by a US congressional delegation to the island. The drills are a “necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty,” China's Defense Ministry says.
The drills in the area of the Taiwan Strait are a “necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty,” China’s Defense Ministry said in the announcement Tuesday that gave no details on the timing, participants and location of the exercises.
A Chinese Defense Ministry statement from an unidentified spokesperson strongly condemned the visit, saying “no one should underestimate the firm determination of the People’s Liberation Army to safeguard the Chinese people’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”China regards Taiwan as its own territory to be annexed by military force if necessary.
In Washington, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said congressional visits to Taiwan “are relatively common and in keeping with U.S. obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act,” which obligates the U.S. government to ensure Taiwan has the ability to defend itself and regard threats to the island as matters of “grave concern.”
Details of the members of the delegation and how long they planned to stay on the island were not immediately available.
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