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China Launches Largest Military Drills Since 1996 Around Taiwan, Deploys 60 Warships

Dec 11, 2024, 09:03 AM

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that China has launched large-scale military drills around the island, involving 53 military aircraft and 19 ships, marking the largest maritime deployment since 1996. The exercises involve activities around the "first island chain" and include about 60 warships and 30 coast guard vessels deployed from areas near the southern islands of Japan to the South China Sea. Taiwan's Defense Ministry spokesperson, Major General Sun Li-fang, stated that the maneuvers pose a significant security challenge, not only to Taiwan but also to other countries in the region. The drills appear to be in response to Taiwanese President William Lai's recent visit to the Pacific. Military jets were seen taking off and landing at Hsinchu airbase in Taiwan on Tuesday in response to the increased Chinese military activity. The drills have been criticized by Taiwan's government as undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China will not allow "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to go out of control and will never adopt a "wait and see" approach.