Xi cautions the military to be ready for "actual combat" China's media

President Xi Jinping has urged the Chinese military to prepare for real combat, national media reported on Wednesday. The remarks came days after Beijing held massive military drills around Taiwan which reportedly involved the simulation of precision strikes on the self-governing island. The Chinese leader is reported to have named the defense of Beijing’s “territorial sovereignty and maritime interests” as the navy’s core mission. The drills came on the back of a visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to the US last week, when she met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The US has long maintained close, unofficial ties with Taipei, both militarily and economically.

Beijing considers the island to be an inalienable part of its territory that has been seized by separatists, and accuses the US of meddling in its domestic affairs and encouraging “secessionist” politicians. While the Chinese leadership prioritizes a peaceful reunification, it has not ruled out military options.