The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) started the nation’s “largest-ever” military drills, including live firing on the waters and in the airspace surrounding the island of Taiwan, on Thursday, according to Chinese state television, a day after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan amid Chinese threats regarding the decision. According to official television, the live-fire drills and other exercises around Taiwan will conclude at 12:00 pm (0400 GMT) on Sunday.
After defying several stern threats from Beijing, which regards the self-governing island as its territory, Pelosi left Taiwan on Wednesday. Pelosi made her journey to Taiwan, the highest-profile elected US official to do so in 25 years, “unequivocally clear” that the US would not turn its back on a democratic partner.
Beijing was incensed by it and responded violently, threatening “retribution” and announcing military exercises in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world: the waters surrounding Taiwan.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, “six important locations around the island have been picked for this genuine battle drill,” and during that time, “relevant ships and planes should not access the relevant waterways and airspaces.”
On the other hand, Taiwan’s defence ministry stated that it was closely monitoring the drills and that the island was ready for battle but would not actively seek it. In a statement, the Ministry of National Defence emphasised that it will uphold the idea of preparing for war without actively pursuing it, as well as a policy of not inciting conflict and provoking disputes.
