Beijing Confirms Carrier Exercises Near Taiwan

Beijing's navy confirmed late on Monday that a carrier group is exercising near Taiwan and such drills will become regular in a further escalation of tensions near the island.

Taiwan has complained of an increase in mainland military activity near it in recent months, as Beijing steps up efforts to assert its sovereignty over the island.

The navy said the carrier group, lead by the Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier put into active service, was carrying out "routine" drills in the waters near Taiwan.

The aim is to "enhance its capability to safeguard national sovereignty, safety and development interests", it added.

"Similar exercises will be conducted on a regular basis in the future," the navy said, without elaborating.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it had a "full grasp" of the situation in the air and at sea surrounding Taiwan and that it was "appropriately handling" the matter.

Japan's Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific.

The navy's statement follows Taiwan's Defence Ministry reporting a new incursion by Beijing's air force into the island's air defence identification zone on Monday. (Reuters)