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There are concerns Beijing has chosen to firmly back Vladimir Putin on the issue of military intervention in Syria. A number of drills by China’s sea force will be carried out in the Taiwan Strait in a show of military strength and support for Moscow, according to a source cited by the South China Morning Post. Speaking to the Asian newspaper the source said: “Donald Trump’s warning of military attacks on Syrian forces was a bit of a surprise for Beijing and Moscow. “As Russia’s strategic partner, Beijing is trying to cause some well-timed and controlled trouble for the US, a drill in the Taiwan Strait being the most plausible option that will benefit both Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.”

GETTY China have conducted military drills to send a message to Trump

In the early hours of Saturday US-led airstrikes hit the Barzah Research and Development Centre outside Damascus with 76 missiles and what the US military described as the Him Shinshar Chemical Weapons Complex outside the city of Homs. The strikes were an act of retaliation after an alleged chemical attack by the Assad regime on Syrian civilians a week ago. However, both the Syrian government and Russia deny any incident took place, and China consequently called for both sides to find a diplomatic solution to the issue. Following the launch of airstrikes Beijing released a statement condemning the actions of the US, UK and France.

Syria air strikes latest pictures: US, UK and France attack Damascus Sun, April 15, 2018 The United States, France and Britain have launched military strikes in Syria to punish President Bashar Assad for an apparent chemical attack against civilians and to deter him from doing it again. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 24 The destroyed Scientific Research Centre is seen in Damascus

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said: “We consistently oppose the use of force in international relations, and advocate respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.” They were angry the action had been taken without approval from the UN Security Council, in what they saw as a violation of international law. Ms Chunying continued: “China believes that a political solution is the only realistic way out for the Syrian issue.

“China urges all the relevant parties to return to the framework of international law and to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation.” The airstrikes have divided the globe with different countries taking sides on the issue as a bitter dispute between the US and Russia heats up. While most of the West have supported the action taken by the US, UK and French military, Iran have condemned the attack.

GETTY China have conducted a number of military drills already this week

GETTY China wants to show its support for Russia according to a source