By AJPPosted : October 15, 2024, 10:06Updated : October 15, 2024, 10:06
Taiwan Navy Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats maneuvers at the Keelung military harbor in Keelung City, Taiwan, Oct. 14, 2024, after the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced military drills around Taiwan. EPA-Yonhap
SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - China launched extensive military drills around Taiwan, prompting concern from Japan and other regional neighbors. The exercises, involving naval, air and ground forces, came in response to recent remarks by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserting the island's independence.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the situation on Monday, saying that Japan will "carefully monitor the developments and prepare to respond to any contingency."
The drills, which China described as a "stern warning" against Taiwan independence, included deployments of the aircraft carrier Liaoning and coast guard vessels.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported a record number of Chinese aircraft incursions, with 125 planes detected by Monday late afternoon. The United States expressed serious concern over the drills, while China maintained that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter.
