Taiwan’s defense ministry: China aims to threaten key ports and cities with drills

Flag of Taiwan on a military uniform | STOCK IMAGE

TAIPEI —  Taiwan’s defense ministry said late on Tuesday that China was attempting to threaten key ports and cities by announcing drills around the island in the coming days.

The defense ministry said in a statement the drills were aimed at psychologically intimidating Taiwan’s citizens, adding the armed forces had “reinforced” their alertness level and citizens should not worry.

It added on Wednesday that Chinese military drills have violated United Nations rules, invaded Taiwan’s territorial space and amount to a blockade of its air and sea, amid high tensions as U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits the island.

It also said the island will firmly defend its security, counter any move that violates territorial sovereignty and enhance its alertness level with the principle of not asking for war.

The defense ministry added during a news conference on Wednesday that China continues to launch psychological warfare on Taiwan, and that citizens should not believe in rumours and report any fake news to the government.

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