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Taiwan accuses the Chinese military of simulating an attack on the island, while China steps up its retaliation following a visit to Taipei by US Secretary of State Nancy Pelosi in midweek. China continues its biggest drills around Taiwan, which are scheduled to last until noon on Sunday. They are advertised as training for a “blockade” of the island.
Taiwanese authorities have announced that they have detected “multiple” Chinese planes and ships in the Taiwan Strait, between the island and mainland China. “Some of them have crossed the line” dividing the strait and “are believed to be carrying out a mock attack on the main island of Taiwan,” the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said on Saturday. The line was unilaterally drawn by the United States during the Cold War and has never been recognized by Beijing.
It is the first time that Chinese maneuvers have been carried out so close to Taiwan (less than 20 kilometers) and that the island, claimed by Beijing, is literally surrounded by maneuver zones. The operations include the eastern flank of the main island, AFP points out, and this is unprecedented: it is a crucial area because possible supplies for the Taiwanese forces, as well as US reinforcements, could come from there.
According to Chinese state television CCTV, the missiles have flown over Taiwan this week during maneuvers around the island, which appears to be a novelty.
The Taiwanese military issued a warning and deployed aerial reconnaissance patrols and boats to monitor the situation.
Beijing announces “live fire” maneuvers
China has also announced new “live fire” exercises from Saturday to August 15 in a small sea zone very close to the Chinese port of Lianyungang (east), in the Yellow Sea that separates China from the Korean peninsula.
The scale of the maneuvers also drew condemnation from the G7 countries, the United States and some of its allies. The White House summoned the Chinese ambassador, Qin Gang, to denounce the “irresponsible” behavior. Beijing’s decision to suspend dialogue with Washington on Friday, especially on climate matters, has unleashed another wave of criticism.
However, most analysts agree that despite these military exercises, Beijing does not want an armed confrontation at the moment.
(with agencies)
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