Chinese launches largest-ever military drills around Taiwan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described Pelosi’s visit an out-and-out farce, and accused Washington of violating his country’s sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy.

In response to Pelosi landing in Taipei, on the night of August 2, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command began joint naval and air force exercises in areas north, southwest and southeast of Taiwan; long-distance, live-fire artillery shooting in the Taiwan Strait; and conventional-headed missile test firings in waters east of Taiwan.

Chinese officials said the exercises would “serve as punishment for Pelosi’s visit, and as a shock-and-awe deterrent against opponents of Beijing’s claims to the self-ruled island.”

In addition, the PRC announced that they will conduct military drills in areas encircling Taiwan from August 4 to August. (ILKHA)