The defense ministry says it is keeping a close eye on any naval movements from China in nearby seas. That’s after recent Chinese military drills off Taiwan’s southwest coast.
The large-scale air and naval drills began on September 9th, and were conducted a mere 166 kilometers from Taiwan. The defense ministry slammed China for what it called an “extreme provocation”.
The ministry also spotted a Chinese naval vessel off Hualien County in eastern Taiwan Wednesday. The ship traveled south and passed Orchid Island. Ministry officials said Thursday morning that the vessel is likely now in the Bashi Channel, and is out of range.