China carried out ‘combat readiness patrol’ as U.S. lawmakers visited Taipei
By Ben Blanchard
November 26, 2021
TAIPEI, Nov 26 (Reuters) – China’s military carried out “combat readiness” patrols in the direction of the Taiwan Strait on Friday as a U.S. Congressional delegation made a surprise visit to Taipei, offering strong support to the Chinese-claimed, democratically governed island.
The five members of the U.S. House of Representatives arrived in Taiwan on Thursday night for a previously unannounced two-day trip, the second time in a month U.S. lawmakers have visited.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command said that on Friday it “organised naval and air forces to continue combat readiness police patrols in direction of the Taiwan Strait”.
“Our commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and has remained steadfast as the ties between us have deepened. Taiwan is a democratic success story, a reliable partner and a force for good in the world,”said Mark Takano