China, which is in a sovereignty dispute with Taiwan, held an exercise on Niushan Island, located in the southeast and south of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands. The exercise began at 09:00 local time.
The China Maritime Safety Administration announced that the region was closed to ship traffic between 09:00 and 13:00 local time. It warned ships in the area to stay away from the exercise zone.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense announced that the exercise was conducted within the framework of an annual program and that they were monitoring it closely.
CHINA HAD HELD AN EXERCISE WITH A RECORD NUMBER OF TROOPS
The Chinese military held an exercise last week involving 153 fighter jets, 14 warships, and 12 coast guard vessels. The Beijing administration stated that the exercise, titled "Sealing off key ports and areas," was held in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s "sovereignty" remarks and that the exercise was a "warning against separatist activities."
AMERICA AND EUROPE INCREASE THEIR PRESENCE IN THE REGION
The US Navy destroyer USS Higgins and the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver passed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, October 20.
Two German Navy warships also passed through the Taiwan Strait last month.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE TENSION BETWEEN CHINA AND TAIWAN?
The Chinese administration states that Taiwan is a part of China, while Taiwan claims to be an "independent country." The Chinese administration wants to annex Taiwan to China under the name of "peaceful reunification" and says it may use military force if necessary to achieve this. China also views official contact between other countries and Taiwan as a "violation of sovereignty."
News Source: 12punto
