World
China Simulated Precision Strikes Against Key Targets On Taiwan During Second Day Of Military Drills
Swarajya Staff
Apr 10, 2023, 01:36 PM | Updated 01:40 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
China practises attacking important locations in Taiwan and nearby waters in the second day of military exercises, according to reports.
Beijing's drills come as a "stern warning" in response to Taiwan president's visit to the United States (US), signalling its disapproval of the self-governing island's action.
"As the Chinese military simulated an encirclement of the island, the US urged China to show restraint," said a BBC report.
Seventy Chinese aircraft are said to have flown around Taiwan on Sunday (9 April). Eleven Chinese ships were also sighted.
Taiwan reported on Saturday (8 April) that 45 warplanes intruded into either the southwest part of its air defence identification zone or the Taiwan Strait median line, which acts as an unofficial border between China and Taiwan.
Beijing's "Joint Sword" operation, which has provoked Taiwanese officials, will run until Monday (10 April).
A Chinese ship reportedly fired a round near Pingtan island, China's closest point to Taiwan, on the first day of drills.
US state department officials have urged China not to exploit President Tsai's US visit, and have called for "restraint and no change to the status quo."
The US cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing in 1979, but it is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
Taiwan views itself as independent with its own constitution and leaders, while China regards it as a rebellious province that it plans to reabsorb, even by using military means.
China's President Xi Jinping has said "reunification" with Taiwan "must be fulfilled."
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.