A source told Reuters that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will arrive in Taipei on Tuesday.
While China has repeatedly warned against Pelosi traveling to Taiwan, which she claims is part of its territory, the US said on Monday it would not fear China’s “threat of war”.
The source told Reuters that in addition to the Chinese planes flying close to the midline of the strait, several Chinese warships have sailed near the unofficial border line since Monday. The source said both Chinese warships and planes “squeezed” the middle line Tuesday morning, an unusual move that the person described as “very provocative”.
The person in question said that Chinese planes repeatedly made tactical moves Tuesday morning briefly “tapping” on the midline and crossing over the strait, with Taiwanese planes on standby nearby.
Chinese planes left the area in the afternoon, but the ships remained, according to the source.
Aircraft coming from both sides normally cross the midline.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement that it is fully aware of military activities near Taiwan and will deploy forces as appropriate in response to “enemy threats”.
The Chinese Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen, which faces Taiwan and is home to a large military presence, residents reported armored vehicles moving on Tuesday and posted photos online, which Reuters could not immediately confirm.
Wednesday Meetings
A person familiar with Pelosi’s itinerary said most of Pelosi’s scheduled meetings, including with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, are scheduled for Wednesday.
Four sources said Pelosi is expected to meet with a group of activists who speak openly about China’s human rights record on Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pelosi visited Malaysia after starting her Asia tour in Singapore on Monday. His office said he would also go to South Korea and Japan, but did not mention visiting Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it did not comment on Pelosi’s travel plans.
China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its opposition to Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
source: Noticias
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