SOME United States politicians further provoked China on the Taiwan question, during the time when the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was conducting combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the island of Taiwan from April 8 to 10.

US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul said last Saturday that the US would help provide Taiwan with armed forces training and expedite weapons deliveries. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham also declared on Sunday that he is 'open' to sending US troops to Taiwan to defend the island.