China Claims Sole Authority Over Military Drills Near Taiwan as 90 Ships Deploy, Emergency Response Center Closes

Dec 13, 2024, 10:20 AM

China has asserted its authority over military maneuvers near Taiwan, stating that it is 'solely responsible' for deciding such actions. This declaration comes as Taiwan has lowered its alert level following a period of heightened military activity from China, which included the deployment of nine Chinese coast guard vessels that have since left the area. Taiwan's Defense Ministry confirmed the closure of an emergency response center established in response to the drills, indicating a shift towards normalcy while still monitoring Chinese military movements. Experts suggest that China's recent strategy involves conducting large-scale drills without overt announcements to normalize its military presence and signal its readiness to act. The situation remains tense, with Taiwan's military maintaining control over the surrounding airspace and waters amid ongoing U.S. surveillance, including the recent transit of a U.S. P-8 plane through the Taiwan Strait.