China plays out attacking Taiwan's "important targets"

China has simulated precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan and its surrounding waters during a second day of military drills. The drills are a response to Taiwan's president visiting the US last week. At least 71 Chinese jets flew around the island on Saturday and 45 warplanes either crossed the Taiwan Strait median line or flew into the south-western part of Taiwan's air defence identification zone. Nine Chinese ships were also spotted. The operation, dubbed "Joint Sword", will continue until Monday.

Taiwanese officials have been enraged by the operation, accusing Beijing of using President Tsai's US visit as an excuse to conduct military exercises. On day one of the drills, one of China's ships fired a round as it sailed near Pingtan island, China's closest point to Taiwan. Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council issued video footage showing one of its ships shadowing a Chinese warship, and a Taiwanese warship, the Di Hua, accompanying the Coast Guard ship in what the Coast Guard officer calls a "standoff" with the Chinese US President Joe Biden has said on several occasions that the US would intervene if China attacked the island, but US messaging has been murky. At a meeting in California, US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy thanked the people of Taiwan for America's "unwavering support". Chinese state media said the military drills, which are due to run until Monday, would "simultaneously organise patrols and advances around Taiwan island, shaping an all-round encirclement and deterrence posture".

In Taipei, residents seemed unperturbed by China's latest manoeuvres. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing's control - by force if necessary. President Xi Jinping has said "reunification" with Taiwan "must be fulfilled".