China is planning to conduct large-scale military drills around the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which began on Tuesday night. The exercises will feature J-20 stealth fighter jets and test firing of conventional missiles.
Taiwan said on Wednesday that China’s air-naval live-fire drills around Taiwan violated United Nations rules and invaded its territorial space. It said it would respond appropriately.
Pelosi is the first sitting speaker of the house to travel to Taiwan in 25 years. China has threatened serious consequences.
The military exercises are a “stern deterrence” against the United States over Taiwan, and a “serious warning” for supporters of Taiwan independence.
The Eastern Theatre Command said a multi-force exercise took place to the north, southwest and southeast of Taiwan.
Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, and has increased military activity near the island in recent years.
Taiwan China
China intends to conduct six days of military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan, including the test firing of conventional missiles and J-20 stealth fighter jets. Taiwan claimed the drills violated UN rules, infringed on its territorial space, and amounted to a blockade of its air and sea ports. Pelosi is the first sitting House Speaker to visit Taiwan in 25 years.
The military exercises are a “stern deterrent” to the US over Taiwan, as well as a “serious warning” to supporters of Taiwan independence. The Eastern Theatre Command practiced sea and land attacks on Taiwan on Wednesday. Beijing has not ruled out using force to seize Taiwan and has increased military activity near the island.
