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Beijing, 20 October 2024 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the nation's military to strengthen its war preparedness, following large-scale military drills near Taiwan earlier this week, according to state media on Saturday.

During a Thursday visit to a Chinese military rocket force brigade, Xi emphasized the need for "enhanced training, comprehensive war readiness, and ensuring that the forces possess solid combat capabilities."

Xi also urged soldiers to "bolster their strategic deterrence and combat abilities," and stressed that the military must "firmly safeguard the country’s strategic security and core interests," as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

China considers self-ruled Taiwan an integral part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim the island, by force if necessary.

On Monday, Beijing deployed fighter jets, drones, warships, and coastguard vessels, simulating an encirclement of Taiwan. This marks the fourth large-scale drill China has conducted in just over two years.

Tensions between Beijing and Taipei date back to the Chinese Civil War, in which the communists, led by Mao Zedong, defeated the nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) forces under Chiang Kai-shek. After their defeat, the KMT retreated to Taiwan, where they established their own government, military, and currency.

Source: AFP