Taiwan on Monday blamed China for holding new sea and air military exercises around the island, as Beijing continues its retaliation for a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“The Foreign Ministry strongly condemns China’s decision to extend the military exercises. China’s provocation and aggression have undermined the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and increased tensions in the region,” it said in a statement.
Train on a “lock” island
The Chinese military had launched large “live fire” exercises in six large areas around Taiwan on Thursday, a day after Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, left Taipei.
These exercises, at least in this configuration, were due to end this Sunday at noon according to the Chinese maritime security administration. They intended to practice a “blockade” of the island, according to official Chinese media.
But Beijing announced on Monday the continuation of these maneuvers, without specifying in which areas they were taking place, or if they were done “in live fire”. For its part, the Taiwanese army announced Monday defense exercises during the week, simulating a Chinese invasion.
According to Taipei, these exercises were already scheduled and are not a response to the Chinese exercises.
Source: BFM TV
