Taiwan’s defense ministry accused China of using “cheap verbal intimidation and saber rattling” to threaten them as China began a massive live-fire military…
Taiwan’s defense ministry accused China of using “cheap verbal intimidation and saber rattling” to threaten them as China began a massive live-fire military drill in the Taiwan Strait, stoking tensions in the area.
“The Chinese communists have been using cheap verbal intimidation and saber rattling on every aspect of the Republic of China [Taiwan] in the hope of affecting our morale or creating social unease,” said defense ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said, according to Reuters .
The exercises are taking place off the coast of Quanzhou in the Taiwan Strait, a 110 mile (180 kilometer) stretch of water seperating the self-ruled island from mainland China.
Chinese state television said the exercises would start at 8 a.m. local time and last until midnight, but little details were provided, Reuters said.
Chen told Reuters that the ministry was monitoring the situation and did not plan to issue an alert at this point.
Chinese state media called the military exercise a direct response to “provocations” by the Taiwanese government, and is concerned the island will push for formal independance.
