China’s Eastern Theater Command says it is stepping up air and naval activities around Taiwan. It says its actions are a necessary response to “Taiwan-US collusion.”
On Monday night, US Senator Tammy Duckworth arrived in Taiwan for a three-day visit. Her trip is seen as a show of US support for Taiwan.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking the island by force.
In response to China’s announcement, ruling party legislator Cheng Yun-peng says Taiwan will not respond to such threats. Representing the party’s legislative caucus, he says China’s rampant military activity around Taiwan has already threatened international stability.
Cheng reiterated that Taiwan is willing to defend itself. He says Taiwan benefits from continued exchanges with the US and other like-minded countries. Cheng added that Taiwan continues to welcome official visits from other countries.