The assault drills were held near Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern waters. Chinese fighter jets, anti-submarine aircraft and combat ships conducted assault drills near Taiwan on August 17 with the People’s Liberation Army saying the exercise was necessary to safeguard China's sovereignty. The assault drills were held near Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern waters. In June, China flew a record 28 fighter jets toward Taiwan. The U.S. maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan in deference to Beijing, but it is the island’s key arms supplier and closest political ally.

Source: The Hindu August 17, 2021 16:51 UTC