The People’s Liberation Army of China on Thursday, August 4, began previously announced air and sea military exercises in the Taiwan area in response to a visit to the island by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The maneuvers are carried out until August 7, and target shooting is planned as part of them. In particular, long-range fire with pinpoint attacks was carried out in specific areas in the eastern part of the Taiwan Strait, the Eastern Military Region command said.

Taiwan has stepped up combat readiness

For their part, Taiwan government officials said the military is stepping up its combat readiness and will respond appropriately to the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Thus, missile systems are deployed in Taiwan to track the actions of the Chinese air force, and Taiwanese warships are monitoring the actions of the Chinese Navy, reports Reuters. Previously, the Taiwanese administration did not rule out the invasion of the PRC military on the territory of the island republic, which defends the status of an independent state, but is considered the official Beijing of one of the Chinese provinces.

ASEAN called for restraint

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has warned that tensions in the Taiwan Strait could lead to “open conflicts between great powers and unforeseen consequences”. “ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role in promoting peaceful dialogue between all parties,” the association said in a statement, urging the parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from provocative actions.

EU diplomacy chief Borrell condemned China’s maneuvers

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell condemned China’s plans to hold military exercises around Taiwan. “There is no reason to use the visit (Nancy Pelosi. – Ed.) as a pretext for aggressive military action in the Taiwan Strait. For lawmakers in our countries, international travel is a matter of routine,” the EU diplomat wrote on Twitter.

Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan

Tensions between authorities in mainland China and Taiwan have increased in recent days due to the visit to the island by the Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on the night of August 2nd as part of an Asian tour and departed on August 3rd.

Pelosi, who assured Taiwan of broad support from Washington during the visit, became the first US House of Representatives speaker to visit Taiwan in 25 years. Chinese officials, who consider Taiwan their territory, were harshly critical even before their arrival on the island.