Chinese warships continue to hold drill in waters near Taiwan

BEIJING: A formation of Chinese warships has been holding daily combat drills for more than a week in waters near Taiwan, China’s state media said yesterday, amid heightened tension between Beijing and the self-ruled island.

The news comes as US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis is set to arrive in the Chinese capital for an official visit.

Since June 17, a group of navy warships, including a Type 054A frigate and a Type 052C destroyer, have been drilling in waters near Taiwan, including the Bashi Channel and the Taiwan Strait, said 81.cn, an official publication of the Chinese army.

“The drills tested the military and training abilities of warship, aviation and coastal defense troops, via organising real combat training in multiple areas of the ocean,” it added.

It was unclear if the drills have ended.

China claims Taiwan as its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring under its control what it sees as a wayward province. Taiwan has shown no interest in being governed by the ruling Communist Party in Beijing.

United States overtures towards Taiwan, from unveiling a new de facto embassy to passing the Taiwan Travel Act, which encourages US officials to visit, have further escalated tension between Beijing and Taipei.

Sino-US ties are under growing pressure over burgeoning trade friction, the North Korean nuclear crisis and escalating activity in the disputed waterway of the South China Sea. — Reuters