China,which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory,has in recent years carried out many such drills around the island,seeking to assert its sovereignty claims and pressure Taipei.
Asked by reporters on the sidelines of parliament whether there was a risk of an accidental incident sparking a broader conflict given the frequency of the Chinese activities,Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said:“This is something we are very worried about.”
Warships from China’s southern and eastern theatre commands have been operating together off Taiwan’s east coast,he added.
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“The risks of activities involving aircraft,ships,and weapons will increase,and both sides must pay attention,” Chiu said.
China has not commented about the drills around Taiwan,and its defence ministry has not responded to requests for comment.
Chiu said that when the Shandong was out at sea,which Taiwan first reported on September 11,it was operating as the “opposing force” in the drills.