Taiwan is beginning live-fire artillery drills to simulate a defensive against Chinese forces
After U.S. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi met with her Taiwanese counterparts last week, China launched a series of military drills.
The visit angered China and Beijing has since responded by test launching ballistic missiles over Taiwan’s capital for the first time in history.
China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has warned China will take strong and resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty.
U.S. President Biden was asked about the drills and if there is a case for concern.
“I’m concerned they are moving as much as they are. But I don’t think they’re going to do anything more than they are.”
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has condemned China’s actions, and has demanded Beijing to end the drills.
China claims the democratically-ruled island is theirs and can be taken by force if necessary.
“In the face of military intimidation created by China, Taiwan will not be afraid nor back down, and will more firmly defend its sovereignty, national security, and free and democratic way of life.”
TAIWAN FOREIGN MINISTRy
Taiwan’s defence personnel have reportedly detected 39 Chinese aircraft, and 13 navy ships sitting around the Taiwan Strait.
Twenty-one Chinese planes had also entered Taiwan’s air defence zone, which was created by the U.S.
It is unclear what the duration of China’s drills will be.
