Taiwan will refrain from increasing tensions during Chinese military exercises near the island launched on Saturday, but called on Beijing for restraint.
The Chinese military announced the drills, dubbed “united sword,” it said in a statement to media.
The drills come as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returns from a diplomatic visit to the United States where she met with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Taiwanese Premier Chen Chien-jen said his government would refrain from provocations but called for restraint from China.
“The People’s Liberation Army is deliberately creating tensions on the Taiwan Strait,” the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said in a statement. “Besides damaging peace and stability, it also creates negative impact on regional safety and development.”
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said 45 Chinese plans entered their self-declared air defense identification zone.
Beijing had warned of “strong and resolute measures” in retaliation if Ing-wen went ahead with her visit.
The PLA’s eastern theatre command said the exercises are “a serious warning against the Taiwan separatist forces’ collusion with external forces.”
The official Chinese Xinhua News Agency said the drills would last from April 8 through April 10.
CURRENTPH NEWS SERVICE
