China halts military drills around Taiwan but ‘war preparation’ continues

Beijing repeats resolve to annex Taiwan by force if peaceful means prove unsuccessful

Beijing has announced an end to its military drills surrounding Taiwan, but said further training and war preparation" would continue. It made the announcement shortly after reaffirming its commitment, in a major policy paper, to use force against Taiwan if it cannot take control by peaceful means".

A spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command said on Wednesday afternoon the exercises had been successfully completed, and effectively tested the integrated joint combat capabilities of the troops" according to state media.