Taiwan says it's prepared to defend itself against ChinaJuly 25, 2017 - 14:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Taiwan is prepared to defend itself against China if necessary, the self-ruled island's defense ministry said on Tuesday, July 25, in a strongly worded response to recent flybys by Chinese warplanes near the island China claims as a wayward province, Reuters reports. China's military has flown several fighter and reconnaissance aircraft near Taiwan for training exercises in the past few days, according to the ministry. "The People's Liberation Army has never given up on the idea of resolving problems through the use of military force," ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told a news briefing. "We believe in peace. We will not take the initiative that could lead to war. But we will not back down in the face of threats." Taiwan was strategically prepared to ensure Taiwan's security in both the air and sea, Chen added, without elaborating. China has yet to offer an account of the recent drills near Taiwan. China's air force said earlier this month its fighters and bombers had recently conducted "multiple" long-range drills far out at sea, including flying near Japan and Taiwan. China has been increasingly asserting itself in territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing is also worried about a government in Taiwan China fears is intent on independence. Beijing has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and has warned any moves towards formal independence could prompt an armed response. Proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by autocratic China. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |