China launches big military drills near Taiwan

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - China has launched military exercises in the disputed South China Sea near Taiwan, local media reported Monday.

Two heavy drills started Sunday evening and Monday morning and will run through Friday, said state-run Global Times.

The move comes after the U.S. early July approved a deal to sell arms worth $2.22 billion to Taiwan, what Beijing calls a "breakaway" province.

"The two military activities are essentially taking place in waters of northern and eastern Taiwan," the report said, adding that another military activity is to take place off the coast of South China's Guangdong Province.

When the U.S. arms deal goes through, Taiwan will procure 250 Stinger missiles, 108 Abrams tanks and equipment.

"The drills are expected to be big, involve all military branches of the People's Liberation Army, and serve as a warning to Taiwan secessionists," said the report.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory in line with its One China policy. However, the U.S. maintains relations with Taiwan unofficially. It sells weapons worth billions of dollar each year to Taiwan.

Last month, China's Foreign Ministry had urged the U.S. to not proceed with the "extremely sensitive and damaging" decision.