Taiwan Military Claims Right to Self-Defense in Wake of China Threats

China has been angered by stepped-up US support for Taiwan, including two visits in as many months by top officials, one in August by Health Secretary Alex Azar and the other last week by Keith Krach, undersecretary for economic affairs.

Read also: US Visit to Taiwan Kicks Off with Meeting Between Health Secretary and President

The United States, which has no official diplomatic ties with the island but is its strongest international backer, is also planning major new arms sales to Taiwan.

China this month held rare large-scale drills near Taiwan, which Taipei called serious provocation.

China said the exercise was a necessity to protect its sovereignty.

(Writers: Yimou Le, Ben Blanchard, Gabriel Crossly | Editors: Robert Birsel, Clarence Fernandez)

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/taiwan-china/taiwan-military-says-it-has-right-to-counter-attack-amid-china-threats-idUSKCN26C0EZ