China has begun naval drills in the Taiwan Strait, the first time in three years that live ammunition has been used in the seas. The action is being seen as a warning to independence advocates in Taiwan, and to US politicians looking for closer ties with Taipei. This prospect is anathema to Beijing, prompting it to warn that it could retake the island by force if necessary. In an interview on Sunday, Taiwan’s defence minister, Feng Shih-kuan, said he was “very concerned” about China’s military moves.
China has begun naval drills in the Taiwan Strait, the first time in three years that live ammunition has been used in the seas. The action is being seen as a warning to independence advocates in Taiwan, and to US politicians looking for closer ties with Taipei. In an interview on Sunday, Taiwan’s defence minister, Feng Shih-kuan, said he was “very concerned” about China’s military moves.