The Chinese exercises, which began around 12 pm (0400 GMT), included “live-firing”, said the state media.
Beijing: Hours after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left Taiwan, China began its largest-ever military exercises by encircling Taiwan on Thursday. China’s move is a show of force in the vital international shipping lanes.
While Pelosi left for US on Wednesday, her visit sparked off stern warnings from China. However, the highest-profile elected US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years said the United States will not abandon a democratic ally.
The Chinese exercises, which began around 12 pm (0400 GMT), included “live-firing”, said the state media.
The state broadcaster CCTV said, “Six major areas around the island have been selected for this actual combat exercise and during this period, relevant ships and aircraft should not enter the relevant waters and airspaces.”
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Meanwhile, the Taiwan defence ministry said it is closely watching the drills. In a statement, the ministry said, “The Ministry of National Defence stresses that it will uphold the principle of preparing for war without seeking war, and with an attitude of not escalating conflict and causing disputes.”
According to reports, missiles would fly over Taiwan for the first time. Authorities in Taiwan said the drills will affect at least 18 international routes. The country’s maritime and port bureau has issued warnings to ships asking them to avoid the areas being used for Chinese drills.
On Wednesday, China rolled out curbs on Taipei on import of fruits and fish from Taiwan and also halted shipments of sand.
Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan has ignited a diplomatic firestorm with China summoning the US envoy and threatening dire consequences. Talking to the media, Pelosi had said the US supports status quo and does not want anything to happen to Taiwan by force. “We want Taiwan to always have freedom with security, we are not backing away from that,” Pelosi was quoted by a section of the media.
