China has launched new military exercises around Taiwan by surrounding it from all sides, the BBC live report said.
The military drills, the most serious in nature in decades, were announced just days after the island celebrated its National Day.
The drills, named Joint Sword-2024B, involve air and sea forces conducting combat-readiness patrols and simulated blockades around Taiwan’s key ports.
Taiwan On High Alert
Meanwhile, the Taiwanese military has been on high alert as it dispatched fighter jets and naval ships to respond.
The statement said the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) drills includes 25 PLA aircraft and a total of 11 ships that have encircled the entire island as they slowly move closer to the shores.
Why is China Conducting Drills Around Taiwan?
The military drills were announced after Taiwanese President William Lai’s speech on national day where he criticized China.
The island is a self-ruled democratically run country but China considers it to be its territory.