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The Chinese military has successfully intercepted a ballistic missile in flight, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement late Sunday.
A Chinese statement said the test was defensive in nature and was not intended to threaten any nation, according to the Washington Times.
Development comes as China becomes increasingly aggressive toward Taiwan, an independent island nation that China has long claimed as its own territory.
China has sent numerous flights of bombers and fighters to Taiwan’s air defense zone in recent months. Although the United States has maintained friendly relations with Taiwan, it has not explicitly promised to intervene if China decides to invade the country.
The US military will protect Taiwan, “IF THIS HAPPENS,” Biden said.
Sensor Lindsey Graham, Bob Menendez, Richard Burr, Rob Portman and Ben Sass and Representative Ronnie Jackson were greeted on their arrival in Taiwan on Thursday, April 14, 2022 (Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The United States has complex relations with Taiwan, being its largest international supporter and arms supplier, while having no formal diplomatic ties. The United States continues to abide by the Taiwan Relations Act, which recognizes but disapproves of China’s claim to ownership of the island.
CHINA STARTS MILITARY EXERCISES IN SOUTH CHINA BEFORE BIDEN ASIA
President Joe Biden has clouded the issue several times, with the White House repeatedly having to clarify his promises of support for Taiwan.
Taiwan’s President Cai Ying-wen announced that the country’s military had reached a “co-operation” agreement with the US National Guard on May 31st. Tsai made the announcement during a visit by US Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.
“The US Department of Defense is now planning active cooperation between the US National Guard and the Taiwan Defense Forces,” Tsai said at the time. “We look forward to closer and deeper cooperation between Taiwan and the United States on regional security issues.”
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Direct cooperation between the US and Taiwanese military would be just the latest major manifestation of unity between the two governments. Six American congressmen travels to the Island in April, the largest and highest-ranking American delegation to ever visit the island.
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