China conducts 'readiness patrol' around Taiwan in response to US 'collusion'

The Chinese military has conducted a "readiness patrol" in the seas and airspace around Taiwan in response to the "collusion" between Washington and Taipei.

"Recently, the United States has frequently made moves on the Taiwan issue, saying one thing and doing another, instigating support for Taiwan independence forces, which will push Taiwan into a dangerous situation," the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command said in a statement on Wednesday, adding the drill had been "a necessary action against US-Taiwan collusion."

The statement did not specify exactly where the patrol had taken place. Taipei, however, repeatedly complains that Chinese military aircraft pose threats by flying in the areas monitored by it.

China slams US senator's visit to Taipei

Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday slammed the visit of US Senator Tammy Duckworth to Taipei to build ties between the two sides as a violation.

Zhao cited the visit of the Democratic senator from Illinois as a blatant violation of the internationally-accepted one-China policy, warning that the Chinese nation would "take strong measures" to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Duckworth met with Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday.

In their meeting, Duckworth, who has mixed Chinese origins, insisted on building stronger economic, political, and security ties between Washington and Taipei, despite Beijing's protestations against it.

SS