China Condemns Taiwan Military Drills

China has condemned Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises, calling the large-scale drills a "costly farce" that, according to Beijing, is fueling public fears of war.

The 10-day exercises, which began last week, are designed to prepare Taiwan for potential Chinese military action, including breaking a naval blockade. The drills are also testing restrictions on mobile internet services for the first time.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Chen Xi accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party of turning cities into battlefields and drawing civilians into a potential conflict.

He added that the Chinese military remains on high alert and is strengthening its combat readiness to counter what Beijing describes as separatist activity and foreign interference.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control, although it says it prefers "peaceful reunification". Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and maintains that only its people can determine the island's future.

(Reuters, MJA)