China has launched air and sea military exercises around Taiwan, following Taiwan Vice President William Lai’s recent visit to the United States, Al Jazeera reports.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) stated the exercises focused on ship-aircraft coordination, testing control of air and sea space, and combat capabilities.
Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the exercises and reported that 42 Chinese aircraft and eight ships were involved in the joint drills.
26 aircraft crossed the median line that unofficially separates the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Last year, China conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan in response to a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
