China announces military drills near Taiwan as US delegation arrives
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The Chinese PLA's Eastern Theater Command says it recently organized patrols and practical combat exercises in Taiwan's waters and airspace.
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A Chinese PLA's Eastern Theater Command drills (Xinhua)
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced on Friday the launch of new military exercises in Taiwanese waters and airspace over reports of a new US delegation's visit to the island.
"The Chinese PLA's Eastern Theater Command recently organized patrols and practical combat exercises using various weapons and services in Taiwan's waters and airspace," the PLA confirmed, adding that "it is a standard military action in response to the changing situation in the Taiwan Strait."
The PLA added that the combat training of personnel will continue in order to defend China's sovereignty and security, as well as stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The exact timeframe and location of the exercises have not been announced yet.
On Thursday evening, a US delegation led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn arrived in Taiwan for a three-day visit, media reported.
This is the ninth US delegation to arrive to the island this year, and the fourth in just one month, despite China's strong opposition to any official foreign contacts with Taiwan, which it considers an unalienable part of its sovereign territory.
Taiwan planning for record security budget amid China tensions
On Thursday, Taiwan announced that it was planning on increasing its security budget in light of rising tensions with Beijing.
Taiwan proposed a security budget of $13.7 billion for 2023, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. The proposal is currently pending parliamentary approval.
The island will also create a special budget allocated specifically for the acquisition of fighter jets and other aircraft and naval vessels to boost its capabilities in the maritime and aerial arenas.
"To protect national security, the overall defense budget for next year will reach Tw$586.3 billion to a record high," a cabinet spokesperson quoted Premier Su Tseng-chang as saying.
The situation around Taiwan escalated after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island from August 2-3. The visit was followed by another US delegation led by US Senator Edward J. Markey on August 14 and the visit of Eric Holcomb, the governor of the US state of Indiana, on August 21, triggering yet another wave of China's military maneuvers near the island.
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