HIGH ALERT
Chinese warships to ‘rehearse sinking US submarines’ in latest drills near Taiwan fuelling WW3 fears
CHINESE warships are set to rehearse sinking US submarines in their latest military drills near Taiwan amid the continuing tensions.
Despite being scheduled to wrap up yesterday, Beijing has announced their theatric shows of strength aren't over yet.
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Following on from US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial trip to Taiwan last week, China is continuing to pile on the pressure.
The visit only exacerbated the already fragile relationship between Washington and Beijing, with President Xi Jinping warranting the drills in response.
China has now said its forces will carry out live-fire anti-submarine and sea raid drills from Monday, without giving a precise end date.
The country had .
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The "provocative" move has fuelled WW3 fears as security chiefs raised concerns about their haunting drills.
Taiwan's foreign ministry has hit out at China's bullying tactics, urging Beijing to stop its military actions and "pull back from the edge".
They said in a statement: "In the face of military intimidation created by China, Taiwan will not be afraid nor back down, and will more firmly defend its sovereignty, national security, and free and democratic way of life."
As part of the ocean war games, dozens of aircraft and ships have breached the "meridian line" which separates China from the disputed territory.
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The drills - referred to as a rehearsal for an invasion by Chinese media - were branded "irresponsible" by Joe Biden's national security council coordinator John Kirby.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has always vowed to "reunify" with Taiwan by any means necessary, sparking fears the relentless games are preparation for war.
The nation released chilling footage of field hospital rehearsals on Friday, suggesting they were preparing for mass casualties.
The military said: "'The eastern theatre of the Chinese People's Liberation Army continued to carry out practical joint exercises and training in the sea and airspace around Taiwan island."
Beijing was also due to carry out live-fire drills in the South China Sea and the Yellow Sea on Monday.
Taiwan have already eased flight restrictions near the six earlier Chinese exercise areas surrounding the island.
The island reportedly called soldiers back from leave amid concerns the tensions could escalate into an international crisis.
Its military announced it would hold anti-landing exercises in the south on Tuesday and Thursday to "practice counter moves".
They said they had "calmly" handled the previous drills that were amped up ahead of Pelosi's arrival in the region.
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It comes after Chinese nuke bombers flew near Taiwan during terrifying military drills last week.
A Chinese military expert allegedly told The Global Times the recent drills will secure "air superiority" and "control of the sea", which will be key to reaching Taiwan across the East China Sea.
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