Trump unfazed by China’s Taiwan naval drills

KUALA LUMPUR: United States (U.S) President Donald Trump said he was not concerned by reports of Chinese naval exercises encircling Taiwan, describing his relationship with Beijing’s leadership as strong.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had not mentioned the drills with him, despite heightened scrutiny of China’s recent military activity in the region.

"Well, I have a great relationship with President Xi, and he hasn't told me anything about it.

"I certainly have seen it, but he hasn't told me anything about it. And I don't believe he's going to be doing it," he said.

China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan, carrying out frequent air and naval manoeuvres that Beijing says are intended to deter separatism.

On Tuesday, China fired rockets into waters north and south of Taiwan and deployed new amphibious assault ships, alongside bomber aircraft and destroyers, on the second day of its largest war games to date.

China’s military said naval and air force units also simulated strikes on maritime and aerial targets, as well as anti-submarine operations, in waters to Taiwan’s north and south.