Online Desk/

China has begun military exercises to encircle the island nation of Taiwan, which will last for three days. China has been claiming Taiwan as its own for a long time. Beijing said the exercise was a ‘stern warning’ for Taiwan.

The exercise comes amid Beijing’s anger over Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. BBC news

Taiwan’s defense ministry said 42 Chinese military aircraft and eight ships crossed the middle line of the Taiwan Strait. However, the Taiwanese authorities have said that they will take appropriate measures for their own safety.

China’s state media said simultaneous patrols and reconnaissance flights were being conducted around the island of Taiwan during military exercises. By this, a ‘defensive position’ is being taken by completely encircling Taiwan. Long-range rockets, navy destroyers, missile-carrying ships, air force warships, bombers are being used in the military exercises.

The Eastern Theater Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said in a statement on Saturday that their “war preparation exercises” around Taiwan will continue until April 10.

The exercise, named ‘United Sharp Sword’, is underway in the Taiwan Strait to the north and south, sea and air to the east.

According to the PLA, the exercise is a strong warning against Taiwan’s separatist forces, collusion and provocation by external powers. This is a necessary step for China to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China conducts occasional exercises around Taiwan. But this time China’s exercise around the island is considered to be a countermeasure to Taiwan President Tsai’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.