Chinese electronic warfare aircraft have participated in drills close to Taiwan. © Courtesy of Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense
Nikkei Asian Review: Taiwan calls Chinese drills a major threat in defense report
2017 white paper stresses importance of cooperating with US and Japan
TAIPEI -- Taiwan raised alarms over China's growing military presence in a biennial defense white paper published for the first time under President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday, with a particular focus on Beijing's stepped-up military drills in the West Pacific.
China has been conducting more aircraft drills through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, and the Miyako Strait in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, according to the 2017 National Defense Report. Chinese forces had conducted 19 long-range exercises this year as of Dec. 11. Nine happened after the Communist Party congress in October, when Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a desire to build a world-class military by the middle of this century.
The report outlined China's military presence in the West Pacific. The forces are believed to be capable of monitoring and supporting operations in all areas west of the "second island chain" -- a strategic defense line that runs between Japan and Guam.
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WNU Editor: The Taiwanese white paper is stressing the need for Taiwan to cooperate with the U.S. and Japan. The Chinese are also responding .... China reaffirms one-China policy for Taiwan in int'l activities (Xinhaunet)
More News On Taiwan Issuing A Warning That Chinese Military Drills Pose An 'Enormous Threat'
Taiwan says Chinese air force exercised near island 16 times in last year -- Reuters
Taiwan warns Chinese military drills pose 'enormous threat' -- News24/AFP
China’s Military Flybys Raise Alarm in Taiwan -- VOA
Chinese military drills represent a threat, says Taiwan -- Business Standard
Shift in strategy revealed in Taiwan's national defense report -- Focus Taiwan
China Has 'Overwhelming Advantage' in Bringing Taiwan to Heel, Official Says -- US News and World Report/Reuters
Little Taiwan determined to stay out of China's clutches -- The National
China would 'pay a very high price' if it invades, Taiwan warns -- Asia Times
