Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked the military to prepare for war after large-scale military exercises around Taiwan.

The country's state media reported that he made the call last week. News from AFP.

President Xi Jinping called for war preparations last Thursday (October 17) while visiting a brigade of the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force. The news is from China's state-run broadcaster CCTV.

Xi's call came days after China's military conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan.

President Xi Jinping said the military should comprehensively strengthen training and combat readiness, and ensure that troops have the ability to fight hard.

He said the army must improve its tactical skills and combat capabilities. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and Beijing has greatly increased its show of force around the self-governing island in recent years.

China's Communist leaders insist they will not hesitate to use force to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control.

It should be noted that the tension between China and Western countries including the United States has been going on for a long time over the Taiwan issue. Taiwan, an island in East Asia, has always been considered a province by Beijing.

After the Communists seized power in China in 1949, Taiwan was separated from the mainland. However, Beijing has always considered Taiwan a province of its own. Since then, Taiwan has been governed by its own government.

Source: NDTV.