Taiwan on Saturday known as China a “bully subsequent door” as Beijing carried out war games in a stern warning after the island’s vice president visited the United States. The remark came as China reportedly “launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan”.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry took to microblogging web site X to take a jibe on the “bully subsequent door” China and stated the People’s Republic of China desires to share Taiwan’s election however the island’s residents can determine for themselves.

He stated, “The #PRC has made it clear it desires to form #Taiwan’s coming nationwide election. Well, it’s as much as our residents to determine, not the bully subsequent door. Look, #China ought to maintain its personal elections; I’m certain its folks can be thrilled.”

Taiwan stated on Saturday that it has detected 42 warplane incursions into its air defence zone since China introduced the launch of navy drills. Also Read | ‘Suicide attack if necessary’; China sends strong signals to Taiwan, says ready for war ‘at any second’: Report

“Since 0900 (UTC 8) today (Aug. 19), the R.O.C. Armed Forces detected 42 PLA aircraft (including KJ-500, Y-9, J-10, J-11, J-16, SU-30 etc.), 26 of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, the PLA aircraft conducted joint combat patrol with 8 PLAN vessels,” Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated on X.

“The R.O.C. Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation with our ISR system and have deployed CAP aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems in response,” it added. Also Read | ‘Those playing with fire…’: Taiwan braces for 2027 conflict as China steps up threats

Earlier within the day, Taiwan had launched an announcement on Vice President William Lai’s “stopover” within the United States. Soon after, and official from the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Saturday condemned the “provocative transfer” by Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to additional collude with the United States.

Condemning William Lai, the official added that his deeds have confirmed that he’s an out-and-out troublemaker who will push Taiwan to the harmful brink of warfare and produce deep troubles to Taiwan compatriots. “We are keen to create ample room for peaceable reunification, however we won’t enable any house for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist actions in any kind,” the official added.

(With company inputs)