US President Donald Trump has said he is not worried about Beijing's military drills around Taiwan that involve Chinese forces practicing a blockade of the island.
I have a great relationship with President Xi [Jinping], and he hasn't told me anything about [the drills]. I certainly have seen it, Trump told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
No, nothing worries me. They've been doing naval exercises for 20 years in that area, he remarked.
The two-day war games, which kicked off on Monday, come nearly two weeks after the US announced one of its largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan. This sale had angered Beijing, which views the self-governed island as a breakaway province.
The exercises simulate the seizure and blockade of Taiwan's key areas, serving as a warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces and external interference, according to the Chinese military.
China's military announced it would conduct 10 hours of live-firing exercises in the seas and airspace surrounding the island, deploying destroyers, frigates, and fighter-bombers to enhance their military capabilities in what they termed integrated containment capabilities.
In response, Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting 130 Chinese military aircraft near the island, with 90 crossing the unofficial median line that China rejects.
The Taiwanese presidential office criticized the drills, calling them a challenge to international norms. President Lai Ching-te stated that the increase in military pressure from China was not the action of a responsible power, adding that Taiwan would act responsibly and ensure national security.
Former US officials and analysts suggest that the Chinese military drills are aimed at sending a message to the US, Japan, and Trump regarding military capabilities and the ongoing tensions following US arms sales.
While Trump has dismissed the severity of China's increased military activity, his administration recently confirmed an $11 billion military package to Taiwan that includes advanced weapons systems.
China reacted to the arms sale with sanctions against several US firms and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving what it calls the complete national reunification with Taiwan.
