China says it has completed its military drills around Taiwan for now. The Eastern Command of the People’s Liberation Army announced today that “various tasks have been successfully completed”. The combat capability of the army was “effectively tested” through joint military operations by the armed forces in sea and airspace around the island of Taiwan.
However, changes in the situation in the cross-straits would continue to be given close attention. So “regular patrols” are planned. Military training and other preparations are also to continue. The military will “resolutely protect” China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said.
Threatened to take Taiwan by force
Against the background of the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan conflict, China had previously threatened to take the island republic by military means if necessary. China will always make great efforts to achieve peaceful reunification with Taiwan, according to a White Paper on Taiwan Issues released today by the Chinese government.
“We will not refrain from using force and we reserve the right to take any action necessary,” the white paper said. The use of force is the “last resort” “under compelling circumstances”.
In response to a visit to Taiwan by the head of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, China had been conducting large-scale military exercises around the island republic for the past week, including practicing a possible conquest of the island. The Chinese leadership rejects official contacts from other countries to Taiwan because they see the island as part of the People’s Republic. On the other hand, Taiwan has long seen itself as independent.