Beijing called two-day exercises Punishment for independence-seeking separatists
Taiwan has scrambled jets and put missile, naval and ground forces on high alert as China conducts military exercises around the self-governing island democracy, where a new president took office this week, reports Associated Press.
The Chinese military called the two-day drills outside Taiwan a punishment for separatist forces seeking independence.
"[China's] irrational provocation has endangered peace and stability in the region"– Taiwan's Defense Ministry said.
The statement said Taiwan does not seek conflict but “will not shy away from it.”
“This is a pretext for military The exercise not only does not contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region, but also shows the hegemonic nature of China", – the ministry said in a statement.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga