From The Japan Times · No Author · · 1m 20s
Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Drills
Taiwan says it will closely monitor Chinese live-fire drills this week amid tensions over Taiwan's status.
In brief
Taiwan says it will closely monitor Chinese live-fire drills this week amid tensions over Taiwan's status. Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo states the island will monitor Chinese military drills this week as China views Taiwan as its territory. Originally reported by The Japan Times.
Taiwanese Defense Minister
Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the island will monitor Chinese live-fire drills this week.
China's Drills Start Thursday
China's Maritime Safety Administration announced no-sail notices for five areas starting Thursday, including waters near Taiwan.
Drills Target Taiwan Coast
The closest drill area is off China's eastern province of Zhejiang, near Taiwan's coast.
Koo's Monitoring Stance
Koo states the drills are coastal artillery exercises and Taiwan will monitor whether firing or military training occurs.
Lai's National Day Speech
President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom and that Taiwan's people decide their future.
China Condemns Lai
China views Lai as a 'separatist' and has rebuffed his repeated offers of talks, condemning his National Day speech.
China's Defense Ministry Statement
China's defense ministry says the drills deter 'Taiwan independence' moves and safeguard the Taiwanese people.
U.S. Criticizes China
The U.S. State Department called China's maritime actions off Taiwan's east coast 'deeply destabilizing' and worsen tensions.
The short version
Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo states the island will monitor Chinese military drills this week as China views Taiwan as its territory.
