On Thursday, the Chinese army began the most important military exercises in its history around Taiwan, in response to the visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosiof the island, which Beijing considers an inalienable part of its territory.
And the Chinese state television channel, CCTV, announced the start of the largest-ever exercises organized by Beijing in the vicinity of the island, which it claims. “The exercises have begun,” the channel said in a message posted on the Weibo social network.
“Preparing for war without seeking it”
Immediately following the start of the maneuvers, the Taiwanese army confirmed that it was “preparing for war without seeking it,” according to AFP.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense also said, in a statement, that “the Ministry of National Defense affirms that it will adhere to the principle of preparing for war without seeking it.”
less than 24 hours
It is noteworthy that Nancy Pelosi’s visit to this region claimed by China lasted less than 24 hours, but it angered Beijing because it is the highest-ranking US official to visit Taipei in 25 years.
Pelosi resolutely emphasized that the United States would not abandon the island, which is under constant threat from the Chinese military.
While the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, replied, “Those who insult China will definitely be punished.”
‘unprecedented’ extent
In response to this visit, Beijing is conducting major military exercises, as of Thursday noon (04:00 GMT) in a number of areas around the world. Taiwan On busy trade routes.
While the “Global Times” newspaper, quoting military analysts, reported that the exercises will take place at an “unprecedented” range because the missiles will fly over Taiwan for the first time. “This is the first time that the Chinese army has fired live ammunition and long-range artillery fire over the Taiwan Strait,” the newspaper said.
In a precautionary measure to ensure safety, the Chinese Maritime Security Administration has banned ships from entering the relevant areas.
The exercises will take place in a series of areas encircling Taiwan – some just 20 kilometers from the Taiwanese coast – and will continue until Sunday noon.
