The army is “complete tasks” around the island

China urges Taiwan to make 'right choice'

Aerial refueling of a Chinese army combat aircraft during a military exercise.

AFP

China's Defense Ministry spokesman, Tan Kefei, said in a statement that Taiwan should make the "correct choice", as cross-Strait relations once again face a choice between two futures, and the Chinese military said it had "completed various tasks" around Taiwan, but would conduct patrols. Regular, in reference to the possibility of ending war games that lasted days.

Bloomberg News Agency quoted Keefe as saying that China is ready to pursue peaceful reunification with full sincerity and effort, adding that the Chinese army will not leave any room for the actions of the "Taiwan independence movement" separatists or interference by outside forces.

China had once again threatened to annex the island, using military means if necessary.

"The use of force will be the last resort taken under force majeure," she said in an introductory report on the Taiwan issue published by the Chinese government yesterday.

We will not have to take violent measures to respond to provocative actions by separatist elements or external forces unless they cross our red lines.”

Yesterday, the military said it had "completed various tasks" around Taiwan, but would conduct regular patrols, as China, angered by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last week, extended its largest-ever exercises around the island beyond four days that were Originally scheduled for these exercises.

Last week's exercises included launching ballistic missiles, some of which passed over Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, and simulating naval and air attacks in the air and surrounding waters.

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Command said in a brief statement that its joint military operations around Taiwan "successfully completed various tasks and effectively tested the forces' integrated combat capabilities."

"The forces of the (eastern) region will monitor any changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait, continue to train and prepare for combat, conduct regular combat readiness patrols toward the Taiwan Strait, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said.

In response to the Chinese statement, Taiwan Defense Ministry spokesman Sun Lifang said that under the assumption that combat readiness is not reduced, Taipei "will fully adjust the distribution of forces based on factors including the threat posed by the enemy."

An informed source told "Reuters" earlier yesterday that the Chinese navy ships are operating off the eastern and western coasts of Taiwan.

The source added that Taiwan sent planes and ships to the region to monitor the situation.

Yesterday, footage broadcast by state-run China Central Television showed Chinese fighter jets refueling in the air, as well as naval ships, in what it said were exercises around Taiwan.

The television quoted the Chinese army as saying that the exercises focus on siege and resupply operations "in a complex environment to improve containment and joint control capabilities."

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said 17 Chinese fighter jets crossed the demarcation line that divides the Taiwan Strait, yesterday.

• China asserts that the use of force will be a last resort.

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