Taiwan has been monitoring China for large-scale military exercises off its coast, which local media say include live ammunition.
As tensions with the United States and fears of an “accidental war” rise dramatically, the Asian superpower has launched a naval blockade around the disputed island, threatening trade and travel.
Following a controversial visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the largest Chinese military exercise in history moves to Taiwan on a vital international route.
The drill has already prompted airlines to announce they are avoiding the area amid fears of further escalation.
Taiwan wants to be an autonomous country, but China sees the territory as a separatist territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force, raising fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Taiwan is winning desperately, but the United States says it will protect Taiwan’s right to self-determination.
Pelosi’s visit was described as “irrational and fanatical” and yesterday she met with Taiwan leaders and delivered a speech of solidarity with Taiwan.
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Images emerged of tanks on the coast near Taiwan, a huge naval fleet off Taiwan, and various military aircraft, including at least 27 fighter jets and a few helicopters.
State media said the drill started around 12pm local time (5am UK time) and included “live ammunition”.
Broadcaster CCTV said, “Six key areas around the island have been selected for these actual combat exercises and during this period, relevant ships and aircraft must not enter the relevant waters and airspace.” reported.
The exercise will take place in multiple areas around Taiwan, some just 20 km (12 miles) from the coast, and will conclude on Sunday afternoon.
Beijing’s Global Times quoted a military analyst as saying the drill was “unprecedented” and that it was the first time a missile had passed over Taiwan.
“This is the first time (the Chinese military) has fired long-range artillery (over the Taiwan Strait),” the statement said.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it was closely monitoring the exercises.
“The Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that it does not seek war, adheres to the principle of war preparations, does not escalate conflicts, and does not provoke them,” the statement said.
The seven industrialized nations condemned the exercise, saying “using the visit as a pretext for aggressive military action in the Taiwan Strait is not justified.”
The Taiwan Maritime and Port Authority on Wednesday warned ships to avoid waters used for China’s exercises.
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Taiwan’s cabinet said the exercise would disrupt 18 international routes passing through the Flight Information Area (FIR).
The operation will take place along some of the busiest shipping routes on the planet that are used to deliver critical semiconductors and electronics made in East Asian manufacturing hubs to global markets.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways said it had instructed its plane not to “pass through the designated airspace around Taiwan”.
According to Taiwanese sources, up to 10 Chinese warships have moved directly to Taiwan and are still there today, local time.
On the mainland, where China is said to be closest to Taiwan, five military helicopters flew relatively low near a popular tourist attraction.
A Chinese military source said the exercises would be held “in preparation for actual combat.”
“If the Taiwanese military intentionally contacts (with the Chinese military) and accidentally fires its weapons, the PLA will take strict countermeasures and all consequences will be borne by the Taiwanese side,” they said.
Beijing has defended the exercises as “necessary and just” and blames the United States and its allies.
Pelosi was the first elected US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years, and her visit made it “clear” that the US would not abandon its democratic allies.
Beijing reacted furiously, promising “punishment” and announcing drills.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Pelosi’s visit a “fanatical, irresponsible and highly irrational” move by the United States, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Speaking from Cambodia, Wang said that China has made tremendous diplomatic efforts to avert the crisis, but its core interests will never be compromised.
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Taiwan’s 23 million people have long lived with the prospect of aggression, but recently the threatening rhetoric has reached new levels.
Experts believe that China is not looking to escalate the situation out of control, at least not yet.
Titus Cheng, associate professor of political science at Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, said:
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who is set to become Britain’s new prime minister next month, has criticized China’s “incendiary” response.
He said: “I do not support China’s inflammatory language on this issue.
“What is happening is perfectly reasonable and I would like to urge China to de-escalate.”
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Source: Metro
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