Maximum tension in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese military ships and aircraft have once again crossed the median line of the Strait of Formosa in a “possible mock attack”. It’s part of her maneuvering in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “provocative” visit to Taipei.
Taiwan has responded by deploying air and naval patrols and activating its ground-based missile systems.
With relations between the world’s two largest economies at a critical juncture, Beijing has severed ties with Washington on critical issues like the climate crisis. and dialogue between their armies.
For US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, China’s attitude is far from the practice of resolving issues peacefully.
“There was no reason to have this escalation that we’re seeing from China,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said. “What they are doing is fundamentally irresponsible, and we will continue to strive to keep the lines of communication open with Beijing while defending our interests and values in the region. This is what the world expects of the United States and China, and we encourage Beijing to uphold this compromise too, in terms of the climate dialogue that was cancelled.”
Pelosi angers North Korea
China has sanctioned Pelosi and her immediate family members. Criticism has also come from North Korea, for whom the president of the US legislature is “the worst destroyer of international peace and stability”.
Visiting a border area between the two Koreas as part of her Asia tour, the deputy discussed the North’s nuclear program with South Korean National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin Pyo. According to Kim, the two agreed to support their governments’ push for denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula on the basis of strong and prolonged deterrence against the North and diplomacy.