On the Chinese beach, tourists are having fun when they suddenly hear several explosions. China fired shells into the Taiwan Strait amid an extensive military exercise around the island claimed by Beijing on Thursday.
The maneuvers on an unprecedented scale are in response to a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei earlier this week, seen by Chinese officials as a serious provocation and denial of Washington’s commitments.
The island of Pingtan in the Fujian (eastern) province of China, a popular destination with its sparkling sea and reefs, attracts thousands of visitors each summer with its small stone houses and wild vegetation.
But there’s another reason the location is strategic: the closest point to Taiwan on mainland China is just 125 kilometers away.
Despite the 38 degrees on Thursday afternoon, many tourists flocked to the eastern end of Pingtan near the cliffs.
Between selfies and souvenir photos, the atmosphere is cheerful when many families are present at the moment several explosions resonate.
“We’re not afraid…just a little”
Image: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP
Bullets rise into the sky, followed by long, thin white streaks. Immediately, a general surprise and many “oh!” is heard.
Despite the scorching sun, the cameras turn to the blue sky when another explosion is heard. Filming takes about a minute. They come from military installations a few kilometers away, along the coast and behind a rocky ridge that blocks the view.
“It’s a bit disturbing. Let’s go,” says a woman on vacation with her friends.
Worried, other tourists leave as well.
Then another group arrives. A student who came to AFP with his friends and introduced himself as “Jack” said, “We suddenly heard a very loud noise. We were surprised at that moment!” he explains to AFP.
Smiling, the young man said, “Are we scared? Of course not. A little!” she admits.
Chinese military maneuvers in the six maritime zones around Taiwan began this Thursday at noon (1:00 GMT) and will continue until Sunday noon (1:00 GMT).
source: Noticias
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