Chinese troop exercises seen staged for Taiwan

China announced possibly the biggest peacetime military exercise and parade in nearly 30 years in what was seen as a warning to Taiwan of the country's growing armed might.

The exercises apparently ended about two weeks ago but were disclosed for the first time Saturday by the Chinese news media. One estimate said 100,000 to 200 ,000 troops and support personnel took part.

The announcement as seen as part of a campaign to move Taiwan toward reunification with the mainland and was intended to overcome the sagging morale of the military, which has suffered a loss of political prestige and cuts in its spending power.