Warships and warplanes People’s Liberation Army (PLA, Chinese Army) crossed this Friday the middle line of the Strait of Taiwanwhich the island’s Ministry of Defense described as “strong provocation.”
The military portfolio reported in a statement released by the official agency CNA that at 11:00 local time “several” Chinese planes and ships were sighted in waters near Taiwan, some of them “crossing the median line”.
In the morning hours “multiple groups of aircraft and combat ships carried out exercises around the Taiwan Strait and crossed the middle line of the strait”, indicates the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense.
this division functions as an unofficial border but tacitly respected by China Y Taiwanwho are experiencing one of their most tense moments after the visit to the island on Wednesday by the president of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosito which Beijing warned that it would respond forcefully.
“This Chinese military exercise, be it for the ballistic missile launch or the crossing of the middle line of the strait, is a highly provocative act”, he added.
According to the Beijing state media, Chinese ballistic missiles flew over Taiwan as part of major military exercises made in response to the visit to Taipei of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
Beijing has not formally confirmed whether its missiles flew over the island and Taipei has declined to comment on the trajectory of the projectiles.
Despite warnings from Beijing, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory, Pelosi made a lightning visit to Taipei on Tuesday, in which she assured that the United States “will not abandon” the autonomous island.
In response, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) declared several no-go zones around Taiwan, including some of the world’s busiest trade routes, for military exercises.
Beijing called the war games a “necessary” response to Pelosi’s visit.
Washington accused Beijing of having “overreacted” to Pelosi’s visit and warned that his aircraft carrier “USS Reagan” will continue to “monitor” the surroundings of Taiwan. The United States also announced that it had postponed an intercontinental missile test “to avoid a further escalation of tensions,” according to a spokesperson for the United States. White HouseJohn Kirby.
China’s maneuvers include “conventional missile fire” into the waters off Taiwan’s eastern shores, exclusive Shi Yi, a speaker for Chinese military forces.
Taiwanese Prime Minister Su Tseng Changasked his allies to press to reduce the tension of the situation.
“We did not expect that the evil neighbor next door would show his might at our gates and arbitrarily endanger the world’s busiest shipping lanes with his military drills,” Su told reporters.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
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