TAIPEI: China is attempting to set a “pink line” for the incoming Trump administration and US allies by stepping up army actions within the area, a senior Taiwan safety official mentioned, together with doubtless struggle video games this weekend across the island.
China, which claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its personal territory over Taipei’s rejection, has held two rounds of struggle video games across the island to date this yr, and its forces function close by every day.
The official confirmed considerations expressed by different safety officers within the area who’ve beforehand advised Reuters that China might launch new drills to coincide with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s journey to the Pacific this week which included visits to Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.
“They wish to clearly set up that the First Island Chain is China’s pink line and its sphere of management earlier than the brand new US authorities takes workplace on Jan 20,” the official advised a briefing in Taipei, providing the federal government’s evaluation of China’s actions.
The First Island Chain is an space that runs from Japan via Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China’s coastal seas.
Neither China’s Taiwan Affairs Workplace nor its defence ministry responded to a request for remark.
The Taiwan official, briefing on situation of anonymity to have the ability to converse extra freely, mentioned China might launch new struggle video games shortly earlier than or after Lai’s return to Taipei from the Pacific on Friday.
