China said recent co-operation between Taiwan and the US threatened stability in the regionChina is conducting a live-fire military exercise involving warships, anti-submarine aircraft and fighter jets near Taiwan in response to “‘provocations” by the US. In an unusual move, at least two Chinese aircraft reportedly entered areas designated by Taiwan for its military use. SponsoredHu Xijin, the influential editor-in-chief of the Global Times, a party-run newspaper, demanded that John Cornyn, a US senator, explain why he tweeted that there were 30,000 US troops deployed to Taiwan. “If there are 30,000 US troops, or even fewer than this number, deployed in Taiwan, it is a severe matter,” Hu wrote in a commentary. “These troops must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally.

Source: The Times August 17, 2021 10:52 UTC