Taiwan Cites Unannounced Chinese Drills as Allies Prepare Manila Talks
Taiwanese officials have described a large, unannounced Chinese military exercise across the western Pacific and around Taiwan in early November, Reuters reported on Friday. A senior security official, speaking anonymously, said China’s military and coast guard at one point massed more than 100 vessels, with drills that included simulated attacks on other militaries and on cities including Taiwan’s.
Reuters said a Chinese submarine also launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Yellow Sea. The claims come from unnamed Taiwanese officials and were not independently verified.
Separately, ABC News reported that Australia and the Philippines are set to sign a defence cooperation agreement on Sunday, expected to expand reciprocal military access and information sharing. Kyodo News reported that Japan is arranging a Quad leaders’ meeting in Manila as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi travels to the Philippines and China.
Beijing’s response to the drill claims was not available when this was published.