Tensions high in Taiwan as China prepares for second day of military drills

Turning now to growing tensions in our region as China launches dangerous and large scale military drills around Taiwan, 9 political reporter Amanda Cop joins us live now. Amanda, good morning. The Australian government will be watching on closely. Yeah, they certainly will, Sarah. Taiwan is a point of tension between China and Australia, and any escalation in the region doesn't bode well for regional peace and security. China is preparing for a second day of military drills, calling them strong punishment. That's because China doesn't recognize Taiwan as a separate country due to its historical ties to the island. The Taiwanese military has condemned the drills, claiming they put the region at risk. The Taiwanese reacted by scrambling Chinese jets and putting their missile and naval and land defence units on alert. The self ruling islands recently sworn in president who was democratically elected, called on Beijing to stop its intimidation tactics. China analysts predict some kind of large scale conflict with China in the next three to five years. So events like this certainly ring alarm bells. Sarah. All right. Thanks, Amanda.