In Advance Of Nancy Pelosi’s Potential Visit, China Announces Military Drills In The Taiwan Strait

In response to Beijing’s warning to Washington that visiting Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her impending Asia tour would have serious repercussions, Taiwan said on Saturday that it was conducting military drills off its coast opposite China.

According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the People’s Liberation Army, the military wing of the ruling Communist Party, was conducting “live-fire exercises” close to the Pingtan islands off the coast of Fujian province from 8 am to 9 pm. Ships were advised to steer clear of the region by the Maritime Safety Administration. Also read: Nancy Pelosi’s Trip to Taiwan: What’s Giving Chinese People Heartburn

Typically, artillery is used in these exercises. Nothing in the one-sentence notification suggested that Saturday’s exercise would also involve missiles, fighter jets, or other weaponry. Also read: US House Approves Assault Weapons Ban Amid Rising Gun Violence

China-Taiwan Relations

After a civil war on the mainland that was won by the communists, Taiwan and China split apart in 1949. Taiwan is under Chinese control, and Beijing has vowed to “unify” it with the mainland by force if necessary. Also read: Joe Biden Warned Not To “Play With Fire” On Taiwan By Xi Jinping On Call

In a show of strength, China has increased sending fighters, bombers, and observation aircraft close to Taiwan in recent months. Warships have also been sent through the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, the PLA has in the past fired missiles into the island’s shipping channels.

While claiming to be one nation, the two governments argue about who should hold the position of national leadership. Although they don’t have any formal ties, they do engage in trade and investment worth billions of dollars.

China claims that Taiwan has no right to manage international relations. Beijing views the presence of American dignitaries as encouragement for the island to formally declare its long-standing de facto independence.

Pelosi’s Asia Visit

Pelosi has not yet made her travel plans official, making her the highest-ranking American elected official to travel to Taiwan since 1997. During an address to the US Congress last week, Pelosi stated that it was “essential for us to show solidarity for Taiwan.”

In a phone discussion with Joe Biden on Thursday, President Xi Jinping cautioned him against “external intervention” in Beijing’s negotiations with the island.

This week, the Ministry of Defense issued a warning to Washington not to permit Pelosi, who holds the same position as Biden as head of one of the three bodies of government, to travel to Taiwan. The PLA would take unnamed “serious measures,” according to a spokesman, to put an end to pro-independence agitation.

Taiwan-US Relations

Washington keeps tight, unofficial contacts with Taiwan even though there are no formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. Despite repeated warnings from China not to, the US continues to supply military equipment to the island country for self-defense. US Navy warships frequently pass through the Taiwan Strait in order to portray American military force in the area.

Washington asserts that maintaining the status quo will help to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The US has additionally warned China that, should Taipei come under assault from Beijing, it will defend the island state.