Taiwan has conducted a series of military drills aimed at repelling a potential Chinese incursion amid soaring tensions with the mainland, as well as reports that a top US lawmaker plans to visit the island in the coming weeks.
Air raid sirens were heard across the island’s capital of Taipei on Monday as the annual ‘Wanan’ drills kicked off, including joint air and sea exercises and the mobilization of soldiers and armored vehicles – all meant to simulate an attack by Beijing.
Speaking to reporters about the drills, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je claimed that Chinese war planes had “frequently harassed Taiwan” in recent years, apparently referring to a series of fly-overs condemned as provocative by Taiwanese officials. Beijing considers Taiwan as part of China’s territory, and insists it is within its rights to operate near the island.