Source: France 24 [French state media]
“Taiwan’s military has initiated ‘combat readiness drills’ after Chinese warships were spotted near the island, Taipei said Monday. Observers have been speculating that Beijing would launch fresh military drills in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s meeting with US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Guam last week. … There was no immediate public announcement by the PLA or Chinese state media about increased military activity around Taiwan. However, a Beijing foreign ministry spokeswoman said China would ‘firmly defend’ its sovereignty in response to the Taiwanese drills. Taiwan regards itself as a sovereign nation with its own government, military, and currency. But Beijing insists the island is part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.” (12/09/24)