TAIPEI: Taiwan denounced China on Thursday (Sep 10) over large-scale air and naval drills off its southwestern coast which it called a serious provocation and a threat to international air traffic.
It urged Beijing to rein in its armed forces.
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China, which claims Taiwan as its own, has stepped up military exercises near the island, in what Taipei views as intimidation to force it to accept Chinese rule.
Yeh Kuo-hui, from Taiwan's defence ministry's operations and planning department, told a hastily-arranged news conference that China's intentions could not be predicted.
"We must make all preparations for war readiness," Yeh said, following a news briefing from senior officers describing the Chinese activities over the last two days, and showing a map of Chinese movements.
READ: China to hold more military drills off northeast, east coasts
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The drills took place in Taiwan's air defence identification zone, between the main Taiwanese island and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, the ministry said. Taiwan says China sent advanced Su-30 and J-10 fighters to participate.
Taiwan Deputy Defence Minister Chang Che-ping said the drills threatened regional stability and endangered international aviation, he said.
"We once again say, do not underestimate the military's determination to defend our home. We are confident and capable of defending ourselves," Chang said.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the government had shared "information related to China's threat to key friendly nations", a likely reference to the United States, TaRead More – Source
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