China halts military drills around Taiwan but ‘war preparation’ continues.
Beijing has announced an end to its military drills surrounding Taiwan but said further “training and war preparation” would continue. It made the announcement shortly after reaffirming its commitment, in a major policy paper, to use force against Taiwan if it cannot take control “by peaceful means,” reports citing The Guardian.
A spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command said on Wednesday afternoon the exercises had been completed and “effectively tested the integrated joint combat capabilities of the troops,” according to state media.
The statement pledged to monitor the Taiwan strait, regularly patrol the area, and remain ready for combat.
After US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last week, Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched live-fire military exercises in seven large zones closely surrounding Taiwan’s main island. Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, on Tuesday accused China of using military drills to prepare for invasion. On Wednesday, Pelosi defended her visit, saying it was “absolutely” worth it.
