Taiwan scrambles jets and puts missile, naval and land units on alert over China’s military drills

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan says it has scrambled jets and put missile, naval and land units on alert over drills China has announced around the self-governing island democracy. The Defense Ministry said China’s “irrational provocation has jeopardized regional peace and stability.” China’s military said it started two-day exercises surrounding Taiwan on Thursday in what it called punishment for separatist forces seeking independence on the self-governed island. A new president took office in Taiwan this week who has said he seeks dialogue with Beijing while maintaining Taiwan’s de facto independent status and avoiding conflicts that could draw in chief foreign supporters.