Chinese drills a threat but not intimidated

Taiwan has not been intimidated by China's military drills this week, President Tsai Ing-wen said yesterday, after the latest Chinese manoeuvres were denounced by a senior US official as "coercion" and a threat to regional stability.

China's People's Liberation Army said its warships, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft had conducted "necessary drills" around Taiwan on Monday. It described them as routine.

Tsai said Taiwan was resolute in its defence.

"China's armed forces yesterday sent a large number of military aircraft and naval vessels into our vicinity. Their actions threaten Taiwan and other-like minded countries in the region," Tsai said.

"These actions only serve to strengthen our resolve. Our military forces have the capacity, determination, and commitment to defend Taiwan and not allow coercion to dictate our own future," she said.

Tsai also said the Trump administration had notified Taipei that its pilots could train at the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

"It enhances their abilities to defend our air space. I want to express my appreciation to the US government for the announcement," she said.