China says it conducted 'readiness patrol' in seas, airspace around Taiwan

The Chinese military said on Wednesday it had conducted a combat "readiness patrol" in the seas and airspace around Taiwan in recent days, saying it was a necessary action to respond to "collusion" between Washington and Taipei.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its military manoeuvres around the island over the past two years or so, as it seeks to pressure Taipei to accept its sovereignty claims.

China has been particularly unhappy with U.S. support for Taiwan.

U.S. President Joe Biden angered China last week by appearing to signal a change in an American policy of