Beijing announces military drills in Taiwan Strait
Beijing announced on Saturday that it was launching three days of military drills in the Taiwan Strait. The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said "United Sharp Sword" would run from April 8-10 to demonstrate "combat preparedness". In a PLA statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theatre Command, said "United Sharp Sword" would involve police patrol drills in the Taiwan Strait, "to the north and south of Taiwan, and in the sea and airspace to the east of Taiwan". The exact location of the exercises was not specified. The move follows a meeting in California between Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. A Xinhua commentary late on Friday said the meeting was an attempt at "creating tension n the Taiwan Strait" and "a provocative act... which seriously violates the one-China principle." It added: "Only by letting those political forces who use Taiwan as a 'show ground' for political speculation feel the pain, can we effectively deter 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities, safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and promote the realization of complete national reunification." Earlier, the Defence Ministry condemned the meeting.  In a statement, the ministry said: "We urge the US side to honour its solemn political commitment made to China on the Taiwan question. The US side must stop its blatant interference in China's internal affairs, and stop its official interaction with Taiwan." (Agencies)