A screen in Beijing shows news footage about China's drills around Taiwan on April 1. © Reuters
THOMPSON CHAU
TAIPEI -- China started a second day of large-scale military exercises near Taiwan on Wednesday, raising the ante with live-fire drills and brushing off condemnations from across Taipei's political spectrum as well as the U.S.
Shi Yi, a senior colonel and spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command, said long-range live-fire practice was conducted in the East China Sea, according to state news outlet Xinhua. "The drills involve precision strikes on simulated targets of key ports and energy facilities, and have achieved desired effects," the report said.