China announces military drills in Taiwan Strait

A PLA Navy tugboat sails in the Taiwan Strait, past tourists on Pingtan island, the closest point to Taiwan, in China's southeast Fujian province on April 7, 2023.
AFP/Greg Baker

BEIJING, China — China announced Saturday it was launching three days of military drills in the Taiwan Strait. 

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said "United Sharp Sword" would run April 8 to 10 for "combat preparedness".

In a PLA statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theatre Command, said "United Sharp Sword" would involve police patrol drills in the Taiwan Strait, "to the north and south of Taiwan, and in the sea and airspace to the east of Taiwan".

The exact location of the exercises was not specified.

The move follows a meeting in California between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

China views self-ruled Taiwan it as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. 

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